RDC Queens defeat Clippers in straight sets, move into a tie for 1st

As if by fate, the ACAC Women's Volleyball South Division schedule was set up perfectly to have the top 2 teams face each other in the final weekend. Friday, the 1st place Briercrest College Clippers (20-2) were at the RDC Main Gym to compete against the Red Deer College Queens (19-3). Coming into the matchup, the Queens trailed the Clippers by only 2 points in the standings and both teams have qualified for the playoffs.

As expected, the opening set featured several swings in momentum and intense rallies.  After the Queens opened on a 12-2 run, the Clippers battled back to close the gap 12-10. RDC persevered and took the 1st set 25-19. Miranda Dawe led the Queens with 4 kills. For Briercrest, Samantha Zacharias had 5 kills.

In the 2nd set, the Clippers opened to an early lead but the Queens showed persistence and tied the match up on several occasions (11-11, 16-16). RDC continued to press and won the 2nd set 25-22. After 2 sets, Miranda Dawe and McKenna Barthel had 7 kills each for RDC. Samantha Zacharias and Emma Neustaedter had 8 kills each for Briercrest College. 

Not much separated the 2 squads in the 3rd set. After the teams were tied 8-8, the Queens went on a 13-8 run to take a 21-16 lead. RDC eventually won 25-23 to sweep Briercrest College.

McKenna Barthel was named the Queens player-of-the-game. The Business Administration (Human Resources) student finished with 8 kills, 1 assist, 2 service aces, 2 stuff blocks and 6 digs.

Queens Volleyball Head Coach Chris Wandler was pleased with the victory. 

"We did what we needed to do today," said Wandler. "We knew that it would be tough and it was a really good start for us moving into next weekend." 

The Queens showed poise even when a top team tried to climb back into the match.

"The message has been the whole year to forget the past and play now in the moment," said Wandler.

While the defensive part of the Queens' game may get overlooked, it was solid against a talented team.

"They are a great serving team and maybe we let them serve a little bit too much at us," said Wandler. "We can win in different ways and different manners. We are a solid defensive group and relied on that tonight." 

With the victory, the RDC Queens move into a tie for 1st place in the division with the Briercrest College Clippers. The Queens have won 15 matches in a row.

Saturday at 1:00 p.m., the same teams face each other at the RDC Main Gym. The winner of the rematch will move into sole possession of 1st place.

After the match, the Jon Walsh Memorial Volleyball Scholarship was presented by Jon's mother, Yvonne Walsh. The scholarship is presented annually to a student-athlete who shows a high level of commitment, perseverance and a love for the game. This year's female recipient, Megan Schmidt, is a remarkable example of hard work, leadership and a willingness to give back to the community through coaching.

"Jon loved volleyball almost as much as he loved life," said Walsh. "He lived his life to its fullest and I hope the recipients carry that on and live their lives to the fullest."