Kings sweep Lions for seventh consecutive victory

Red Deer, AB – The RDC Kings had a well-rounded effort, earning a three set sweep (25-14, 25-17 and 25-16) over the hard-working Ambrose University Lions at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

In the first set, a kill from the right by Regan Fathers provided the Kings a six point cushion (17-11). A strong offensive presence from the Lions' Mark Fountain (4 kills) tried to keep his squad close. The RDC Kings went on an 8-3 run, assisted by a pair of points from Tristan Simmonds, finalizing a 25-14 win.

It was a close contest throughout the first half of the second set. A kill from Adrian Strandberg pulled Ambrose within a point (11-12). Eventually, strong net play from the Kings helped them jump ahead by six (20-14). Both Thomas Wass and Mark DeWit recorded stuff blocks. RDC outscored Ambrose 5-3 for a 25-17 victory.

The third set was even 8-8 until contributions from Ben Holmes, Regan Fathers and an ace from Paul Mennie (13-9) provided the Kings with energy. Adrian Strandberg was effective for the Lions once again, recording another kill, trying to will his side back into the set but the Kings solidified a 25-16 score, and match decision. 

Tristan Simmonds was named the Kings Player-of-the-Game, finishing with 10 kills and 6 digs. Mark Fountain received the award for the Lions, contributing 8 kills, 7 digs and 1 ace. Adrian Standberg was solid, contributing 8 kills for St. Mary's University. 

With the win, the Kings share second spot in the south with the SAIT Trojans (10-4).

Next weekend, the RDC Kings (10-4) will play the Olds College Broncos (0-14) in a home-and-home series. The Ambrose University Lions (2-12) will take on the SAIT Trojans (10-4) in Calgary on Friday, January 11 at 8:00 p.m.