Clipper secure a fourth set victory in dominant fashion over Lions

CAMROSE, Alta. - Two south division powerhouses electrified the crowd, however, it would be the Briercrest Clippers coming out on top over the Ambrose Lions 3-1 (19-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-12) in the consolation Semi-Final at the ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship on Friday afternoon at Augustana Gym.

After falling to the north division's fourth seed the night before, the south's first seed bounced back gloriously to extend their season to the final day of ACAC women's volleyball action and will take on the NAIT Ooks on Saturday to battle it out for fifth place. Meanwhile, the Lions met their match and saw their season come to a close with the loss.

"Last night was a tough loss, but we talked about our identity and how it is not in our wins and losses," said Clippers head coach Natalie Mullen. "Our team has a foundation of faith and I am proud of how they took what we talked about last night, stayed mentally engaged and got an exciting win."

Second year, Abby Ulrich put up 32 assists on the afternoon, with teammate Julia Beer putting the ball to the floor with 15 kills. Not to be outdone, veteran Rachel Stead added three aces to the scoresheet for the Clippers. Meanwhile, Lion Halle Blocha showed a pose with four aces and nine kills, with setter Rachel Barg assisting 24 times while gathering five digs.

After taking the first set, the Lions lost their momentum to a settled-in and experienced  Clippers offence who held a consistent five-point lead throughout before eventually tying the game at one set apiece, 25-17.

Set three proved to be a clash of the titans with both teams fighting for momentum late in the set, 24-24. A diving save from Clipper Kacey Dale in the backcourt allowed for a cross-court kill and the set victory, 26-24.

In the first clear breakaway in the match, the Clippers pulled ahead early in the set with five unanswered points on the board. From then on, the blue and yellow hitters found their swings, lighting up the scoreboard and cruising to a fourth-set match win, 25-12.

"We study, we work hard," added Mullen as she looked ahead to their next match. "Our girls are all really disciplined and the tournament isn't over."

In an afternoon clash to close out the season, the Clippers will go head-to-head with the NAIT Ooks at 1:00 PM MST at Augustana Gym.