Clippers Sweep Rattlers to Extend Win Streak

By Jeff Misener

The frosty conditions outdoors contrasted sharply with the heated action inside the Margaret P. Reimer Memorial Gymnasium as the Briercrest Clippers played host to the Medicine Hat Rattlers in ACAC women's volleyball. The Clippers continued their early season success as they cruised to a 25-19, 25-19, 25-17 victory.

Briercrest shot out to a quick lead as Julia Beer and Faith Buhler flexed their muscles on offense and Bailey Opseth befuddled the Rattlers on serve. Medicine Hat's Anica Haberstock and Kadence Wiggins patrolled the net with success, allowing the visitors to chip away at the deficit, but timely hitting and serving from Rachel Stead kept her squad ahead. Haverstock and Kadence Wiggins traded blows with Faith and Brooklyn Buhler late in the action, but ultimately the hosts gained the upper hand in the exchanges and snatched the opener.

Early in set two, the Rattlers established a healthy lead as Haverstock celebrated a flurry of kills and teammate Jaivyn Barabe chipped in with useful offense. The visitor's joy was short-lived, however, as Briercrest clamped down on defense and Stead found a rich vein of attacking form. Despite their best efforts, the Rattlers could not find the offensive steadiness they needed to tie the match.

The teams swapped shining moments to open the final period as hitters and defenders equally shared the spotlight. Midway through the frame, Julia Beer's wily and assertive offense pushed the hosts ahead. The Alberta college fought valiantly, but the Clipper veterans nullified their rally to close the match.

Player of the Game for Briercrest was libero Alyssa Pavka, who dug up seven balls and added two assists. For Medicine Hat, Anika Haverstock collected seven kills, three digs, and a pair of blocks to earn POG honours.