Rustlers check the Queens for their spot in a third consecutive conference final
CAMROSE, Alta. - Witnessing a clash between the teams who have captured the precious three ACAC titles, the Lakeland Rustlers checked the Queens to win 3-1 (27-29, 26-16, 25-20, 25-12) in the first of two Semi-Finals at the ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship on Friday night at Augustana Gym.
The win allows the Rustlers a chance at a third consecutive conference title as they advance to the ACAC Championship Final to take on either The Kings's Eagles or the hosting University of Alberta - Augustana Vikings. They also punch their ticket to the CCAA Women's Volleyball Championship, hosted by Durham College from March 5-8th.
"The first set is a tough one this time because we were up 23-18. That is significant and can't happen," said Rustlers head coach Austin Dyer about his side's rough start. "I'm glad we responded the way we did. It's about everyone getting comfortable and hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to settle in right from the get-go."
The Queens will have one more chance at a win this season as they face the loser of the Eagles and Vikings semi-final.
ACAC Women's Volleyball Player of the Year, Avery Bates proved her worth on the court, putting 19 points on the board, including 18 kills and one ace, while setter Emma Letkeman had 33 assists in the win. Across the net, setter Maria Brouwer had 26 assists, 11 digs and two kills.
Proving why they are two of the top teams in the conference, the Queens and Rustlers went toe-to-toe, point for point, However, it would be Lauren Junck keeping her side in the set, eventually helping get three chances at set point before Sarah Mistol kill could not be contained by the Rustlers double block to end a marathon of an opening set, 29-27.
Having settled into the match after a slow start, the Rustlers sprang out to a 9-4 lead, forcing the Queens to call a timeout. However, the break would not provide much assistance, and neither would a four-point run late in the set, as the serve out the backcourt would give the Rustlers the set, 25-16, tying the match.
A solid reset by the Queens would see them back into the match leading in another close set. After leading a minority of the time, the Rustlers would tussle their way back in to take the lead and the set, 25-20, before stepping onto the court for a fourth set for just the third time this season and making no mistake, cruising to the set win and match victory.
"We came here to win, it's that simple," added Dyer. "We punched our ticket to nationals, which is great, but that isn't the goal, we are looking to win and we will prepare the exact same way, ready to show up and compete."
The Rustlers will take on the winner of the second semi-final in the 2025 ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship match for a chance at their third consecutive title tomorrow at 7:00 PM MST at the Augustana Gym.