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Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference "To be Canada's premiere collegiate athletic conference by developing and inspiring leadership through excellence in academics, sport and citizenship"
Posted: Jan 14, 2023

Strong Team Effort Yields Victory for UAA Over Briercrest

Box Score
Game Leaders
UAA
K: Shae Boyes - 11
B: DJ Molle - 2
D: Shae Boyes - 12
SA: DJ Molle - 7
BC
K: Faith Buhler - 7
B: Jess Zacharias - 2
D: Kacey De Jong - 7
SA: Summer Okerstrom - 4
Team Stats
Full stats

by Jeff Misener

The second half of the ACAC women's volleyball season featured a matchup between the host Briercrest Clippers (4-6, t-5th in South Division) and the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings (8-4, t-3rd in North Division). The Clippers are eager to secure a win to launch them into a series of key matches against South Division rivals in the coming weeks.

Augustana opened the proceedings with effective hitting and serving, but they struggled to adjust to the low roof in the gym, costing themselves numerous points. The home team raced to a four-point lead, but the visitors evened the score behind the veteran savvy of setter Sarah Dedrick. Fifth year setter Jess Zacharias featured Faith Buhler and Kelsey Simes on offense as before taking charge herself in the final moments to secure the set 25-21 for Briercrest.

DJ Molle's outstanding serving vexed the Clippers in set two as the Vikings stormed to a 15-6 lead, forcing a timeout by the home team. The Vikings stretched their advantage to twelve as Shaelyn Boyes thumped a shot down the line. Briercrest enjoyed brief moments of offensive joy, but Augustana romped to a 25-13 win.

To open set three, Augustana once again rode Molle's serving skill to an 8-2 lead before Summer Okerstrom broke the run for Briercrest. Offensively, Briercrest struggled mightily to sustain any offensive momentum. Boyes went on a service run to push the lead to 16-4, and the Vikings rode terrific team defensive and superb offense to a commanding 25-11 success.

Boyes continued to pound away from the left side, but Buhler flexed her muscles with a huge block and thunderous hit down the line. Clippers' coach Rhonda Schmuland freely rotated her veterans into the mix, and the Clippers discovered fresh energy on defense and offense. Down the stretch, the Clippers could not overcome the steady play of their opponents as the visitors grabbed the fourth set 25-19.

Player of the Game for Augustana was Shaelyn Boyes, who contributed to her team's victory with twelve digs, eleven kills and a pair of aces. Briercrest's Brooklyn Buhler came off the bench to contribute five digs and four kills for the hosts.