Clippers take the first of two matches this weekend against the Kings
Red Deer, February 2, 2024 - The Briercrest College Clippers draw first blood in the first of two matches against the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings on Friday night in the Fas Gas – On the Run Gymnasium.
After back-to-back kills which led to the Kings taking a 22-20 lead, the Clippers called the first timeout of the set. Out of the break, the Polytechnic would score three out of the next four points to take the set 25-21 with the set point coming off an attacking error.
Following the first set loss, the Clippers shook it off early and jumped out to a 10-5 lead in the second. But back-to-back aces by middle Spencer Purdie (Open Studies) saw the Kings cut the lead down to just two points. The Clippers would earn the next four points to extend their lead to six which forced the Kings to call a timeout. But the Kings managed to make it a two-point game late in the second which led to a couple of timeouts called by Briercrest College. But the Clippers turned the page and took the set 27-25 off a block from outside hitter Karym Coleman (Master of Arts in Leadership and Management).
The Clippers continued their strong ways into the third set and found themselves up 19-16 late in the game. But some great serving by the Kings tied it up at 21 and they would even take a 22-21 lead before the Clippers tied the match back up. After facing a possible set point, Briercrest College called a timeout. Following the short break, the Clippers went on a 5-2 run to take the third set 28-26 and go up 2-1 in the match.
Down by a set, the Kings found themselves in trouble in the early goings of the fourth. After the Clippers went up 18-15, the Polytechnic called a timeout. Four points, RDP would use their second and final timeout of the set. Coleman called the match with his 22nd kill to take the fourth set 25-19. He was later named the player of the match. Setter Tom Wass (Open Studies) was awarded the Kings honour with an outstanding 41 assists in the loss.
The battle between these two teams will continue tomorrow at 3 pm.
Players of the match: Karym Coleman (Clippers) and Tom Wass (Kings)