Queens drop Trojans in consecutive matches, share second in south

Brent Forster – RDC

Calgary, AB – The RDC Queens made a statement this past weekend, earning back-to-back victories against the SAIT Trojans and jumping over them in the standings. On Saturday, the Queens were a persistent and composed group, finalizing a five set win (25-20, 16-25, 22-25, 25-20 and 15-13) over the hosts.

Five-foot-ten outside hitter Emma Holmes was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game, accumulating 12 kills, 11 digs, one assist and one ace. Libero Kristen Leippi was selected for the Trojans, totaling 22 digs and two assists.  

Emma Holmes (11) Colby Brochu Photography

Libero Kaylee Domoney had 25 digs and three assists. Bachelor of Fine Art student Natalie Bloemen added 36 assists, eight digs, one kill and one ace.

The Queens have been chasing the Trojans in the south standings for much of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season, but the RDC squad has been one of the hottest teams in the league since November. After the Trojans took both matches over the Queens in late October, the Red Deer College team has remarkably won 13 matches and only dropped three.

Natalie Bloemen (5) Colby Brochu Photography

Next weekend, the RDC Queens (14-8) will face the Kodiaks (3-17) in Lethbridge in a pair of matches to wrap up the regular season. The Queens have locked up a playoff spot in the south but there could be changes in the positioning of teams in the standings. 

The Briercrest College Clippers (18-2) lead the south division. The Queens (14-8) and Lions (14-8) share second and the SAIT Trojans (13-7) sit in the final playoff spot.

Currently, the top four teams in the north are the Lakeland College Rustlers (19-3), The King's University Eagles (18-2), University of Alberta Augustana Vikings (13-7) and Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves (8-12).

The Ambrose University Lions will host the ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship from February 21-23 in Calgary.