Clippers over Queens at Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

Brent Forster – RDC

Red Deer, AB – The RDC Queens couldn't control Briercrest College's main offensive weapon and dropped a three set home decision (19-25, 18-25 and 13-25) in an afternoon tilt.

The Clippers' Becky Garner had a strong first set. The outside hitter was effective from the service line, recording an ace to give Briercrest College an 8-6 margin and they started to build on that lead. A pair of kills from Alexandria Greenshields tried to pull RDC closer (16-21) but the Clippers went 4-3, sealing a 25-19 win. Jade Van Dyke was one of RDC's offensive forces with four kills. Garner led the way for the Clippers with eight kills.

Colby Brochu Photography

After the Queens started the second 3-0, the Clippers went on a 17-6 run for a 17-9 edge. Despite a well-placed dump ball from Natalie Bloemen (18-22), Briercrest College continued to ride the offensive output of Garner and finalized a 25-18 decision. Garner added another eight kills in the set.

The Briercrest College Clippers captured a six point edge (10-4) and Queens Head Coach Chris Wandler called a timeout to sway the momentum. On the very next sequence, the Queens' Britt Davis recorded a kill from the left. RDC tried to take advantage of some openings down the middle and Alexandria Greenshields picked up three kills in short order. The Clippers played consistently on both sides of the ball and earned a 25-13 win.

Libero Kaylee Domoney (3) Colby Brochu Photography

"We didn't have Becky on our side. She had no errors and just about had more kills than we did as a team. We just didn't perform like a championship team today and it was very disappointing on our part," says Wandler. "We have to regroup for Monday and prepare for Medicine Hat, which is exactly what my speech will be – move on to Medicine Hat. We will have to have a quick case of amnesia of this match but remember how bad this hurts so it doesn't happen again, and then move on."

The Queens finished with 24 kills.

Britt Davis (7) Colby Brochu Photography

Alexandria Greenshields was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game, accumulating eight kills and one dig. Becky Garner received the award for the Clippers, totaling 20 kills, eight digs, one ace and one assist.

"Ali has been very efficient. She was efficient last night but we didn't set her enough. Natalie Bloemen found some connection today," says Wandler. "Ali had one error on fifteen attempts - she had eight kills. Our middles are good when we pass the ball but we didn't pass the ball well in the first two sets which was pretty evident. Ali was good and plays well."

The Queens will look for a bounce-back performance next weekend. "You would hope there would be some response without the coach having to tell them there needs to be a response," says Wandler.  

Britt Davis, Emma Holmes and Jade Van Dyke had four kills each for the Queens.

Next weekend, the RDC Queens (10-8) will travel to Medicine Hat to challenge the Rattlers (9-8) in a pair of matches. On Friday, January 25, the Rattlers will host the Queens at 6:00 p.m.