RDP Queens defeat Humber Hawks to open nationals

Red Deer, AB - The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens have advanced to the semi-finals at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women's Volleyball National Championship. 

In front of their energetic home fans, the RDP Queens swept the Humber Hawks (25-22, 25-13 and 25-14) in the quarter-finals at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

"We've been fortunate, knowing that we're here [at nationals] from the start of the season and preparing with that in the back of our minds," said Talbot Walton, Queens Volleyball Head Coach. "We played pretty good at provincials and had an opportunity to see a lot of Humber video. I thought we matched up really well against them." 

The Queens were led by All-Conference outside hitter Emma Holmes, who had a match high 22 kills (0.500). RDP's setter Emma Letkeman recorded 32 assists and 12 digs. Third-year outside hitter Rachel Perry accumulated seven kills for the Polytechnic. First-year Maddy DeZutter made some key plays, contributing four digs and two of the Queens' seven aces.

Letkeman (18)

Both Keyome Ellis (0.333) and Te-Anna Stephenson (0.150) had six kills for the Humber Hawks. The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Champions received 15 assists from first-year setter Kennedy Williscroft. Guelph's Cassidy Andrews chipped in with four kills for the Hawks.

"Humber knows how to play good volleyball," added Walton. "Obviously, their record shows that with 21 straight wins. We had to make sure that we were taking care of ourselves and putting pressure on them that they may not have experienced all season."

Red Deer's Holmes was named the 4imprint Queens Player of the Game, adding nine digs and two assists to her double-digits in kills.

"Emma is finding ways to hit those soft spots and score. Emma knew coming back that it was about these moments at the end of the season," added Walton. "I think the leadership and stability that she brings has really helped us grow as a group. The plan is to make everyone around her better, and she does."

Second-year libero Reese Cholette received the 4imprint Hawks Player of the Game award. Oakville's Cholette had 20 digs and five assists.

Walton believes the competition within the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) has helped to prepare the Queens for the national championship. 

"The ACAC is a tough place to play. There are so many good teams and you have to be on your game week after week. That helps you get better and better," said Walton. "These last four weeks, we've worked really hard at being ourselves, playing our game and doing the things that have allowed us to be successful."

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will play the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners in the semi-finals on Thursday at 8 pm. 

"It won't get much easier. It will be a tough go for us for sure," commented Walton. "We will have to play at another level yet again tomorrow. I am so thrilled to be playing in that game."

In the other semi-final, the Lakeland College Rustlers will face the Capilano Blues.

The Humber Hawks will compete against the University of King's College (UKC) Blue Devils in the bronze quarter-final at 3 pm.

Tickets can be purchased online.