Volleyball Kings sweep SAIT in three sets

The Red Deer College Kings Volleyball team started the 2016-2017 season the same way that they ended last year, with a victory. Against SAIT in Calgary, the Kings showed signs of why they are the defending ACAC and CCAA champions sweeping the Trojans in three straight sets.

The RDC Kings started strong and dominated the first set 25-14.

When the Trojans tried to push back in the second and third set, the Kings had an answer. The second set went back and forth, with the score tied 16-16 but the Kings showed composure eventually winning 26-24.

The Kings opened the third set with four straight points. SAIT tried to battle back but the experience of the Kings took over, leading RDC to a 25-23 victory and taking the match.

The RDC Kings Head Coach Aaron Schulha liked several aspects of his team's game tonight.

"We showed energy right out of the gate and while the student-athletes were excited to begin the season, they managed to keep those emotions in check," said Schulha. "I liked our speed of the offense on the left side, our transition was good and we did a nice job funneling SAIT's attackers."

While the Kings swept the Trojans in three straight set, Schulha identified a few areas to work on in order to achieve excellence.

"In the first ten points of the opening set we took the game to them," said Schulha. "But in the second and third set we seemed to just play well enough to win. We made some errors and at times were caught standing around. I know what this team can achieve and we have an extra gear that wasn't always used."

Matt Lofgren was named the Kings player-of-the-game. Lofgren finished with eight kills and 3 digs.

Schulha had positive words for the Kings fifth year student-athlete from Kamloops.

"Matt (Lofgren) had a solid game. He was one of our most consistent players tonight," said Schulha. "He was effective passing the ball and his kill rate was nearly 50% efficient."

In a weekend rematch the Kings face the Trojans Saturday, Oct. 15 at 8:00 p.m. at Red Deer College. Last season's championship banner will be raised at the RDC Main Gym prior to the first serve.