RDP Athletics Sports Info
Red Deer, February 23, 2023 – The University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings made quick work of the Ambrose University Lions as the Vikings swept the Lions in straight sets in the second match of the day.
Even though the Lions were first in the South Division, they fell in four sets just 12 days ago against the Vikings in their only match against each other in the regular season.
It was a back-and-forth first set to begin the match as they were deadlocked at nine points, but the Vikings would pull away from the Lions with a four-point run. After Augustana jumped out to a six-point lead halfway through the set, Ambrose would call a timeout to change up their game plan. The Vikings would continue their offensive ways late in the set to defeat the Lions 25-16 after an Ambrose University serve went long.
Down 4-2, the Vikings would go on a six-point run to take the lead which was partially due to middle Dj Molle (Physical Education) who was great from the service line. Molle was named an all-start at last night's awards banquet. But the Lions continued to stay in the set. However, like the first game, the Vikings pulled away near the halfway point to increase their lead. A couple of big digs by the Vikings Emily Peterson (Physical Education) kept her team in the rally but unfortunately for her team, they would get called on a net violation to lose the point. Augustana would take the second set 25-17 after a kill from the Lions soared out of bounds.
With the match on the line for the Lions, they put forward their best game yet as they fought with the Vikings early on in the third set. Halfway through the game, the Lions continued to fight against adversity as they were down by two sets but managed to have a late two-point lead. However, the Vikings went on a run to put them up by 18-15 as they went into a Lions timeout. The Vikings would take the set and the match with a 25-19 victory after the Lions were called for a net violation.
Head Coach Steve Enright explained his team knew what they were capable of as they went into the match so were not surprised with their results at the end. He added they got some explosive hitters on the outside which really led their offense this afternoon.
The setters from both teams were named the player of the match for their respective teams. Vikings Sarah Dedrick (Physical Education) had 26 assists and eight digs in the win. Lions Lexi Herrod finished with 20 assists and seven digs in the losing effort.
The Vikings will now face off with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks in the semi-finals with a spot in the finals on the line tomorrow at 6 pm. For the Lions, they will line up against the Kings University Eagles in tomorrow's relegation semi-final at 1 pm.