Volleyball Kings over Rattlers in five sets

Saturday afternoon featured a rematch between the Red Deer College Kings Volleyball team and the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. In an exciting match the Kings won in the fifth set.

Medicine Hat College appeared to gain some confidence after beating one of the top ACAC Men's Volleyball teams yesterday, in the RDC Kings, and took the opening set 25-18.

The second set was close in the early going, tied 5-5, then the Kings started to pull away taking a 7 point lead (19-12). Red Deer College won 25-18 to tie the match up at 1 set each.

In the early going of the third set not much separated the teams. The Kings pushed forward and won 25-20 to take a 2 set to 1 lead.

The Rattlers took an 8-3 lead in the fourth set, eventually winning 25-20 to tied the match at 2 sets each. 

The fifth and final set showcased some intense rallies. The Kings opened with a 5-1 lead. RDC won 15-8 to take the match 3 sets to 2.

Luke Brisbane was named the Kings player-of-the-game and finished with 52 assists, 2 service aces, 1 kill and 6 digs. 

Kings Head Coach Aaron Schulha noted the significance of Luke Brisbane and Adam Turlejski on the court. 

"Having Luke and Adam in the lineup is obviously very important for us. Luke's been our starter for three years and there's a comfort level there and the guys got more comfortable as they went," said Schulha. "Adam and Luke have a connection. They played back together in Australia and they came over together. The more success that those two have together, the more energy that they can bring."

Tristan Dexter made some key serves and finished with 3 service aces, while also adding 2 kills and 4 digs. Schulha thought the Kinesiology and Sport Studies student played a significant role, especially late in the match.

"It was nice to see Tristan start to play to his potential at the end," said Schulha. "He's got a really good serve and we knew that. He brought a lot of energy late which is important."

With the victory the RDC Kings sit first in the ACAC Men's Volleyball South Division with a 5-1 record.

The Kings travel to Caronport, Saskatchewan to face the Briercrest Clippers Nov. 4 and 5.