ETOBICOKE, Ont. - The Royals volleyball teams made the trip to Toronto last night to battle the Humber Hawks. With the basketball teams hosting Humber at home, it was a four-game series against the Hawks. The men's volleyball team was the lone victor as they put in a dominant performance in a huge win for the Royals.
With the win, the Royals have now defeated the No. 1-ranked team in Canada (Nipissing) and the defending national champions (Humber) this season.
In the match, the Royals took control from start to finish and controlled the pace of play both offensively and defensively. While the team's offence has been clicking well the last number of games, it has been the team's defence that has been the key to victory. Jesse Dykxhoorn (Holland Marsh, Ont.) led the team in digs with seven while every Redeemer Royals passed well during the game.
The Royals were a force at the net with 15 total stuff blocks in the game to Humber's four. Aaron Vanderlugt (Burlington, Ont.) had an incredible six blocks over the course of the match. Eric Heidbuurt (Waterdown, Ont.) led the team offensively with 14 points while Vanderlugt and Cameron Groenendijk (Chemainus, B.C.) each had nine. Game scores were 25-19, 25-19, and 25-16.
Cam Fletcher had 15 total points for Humber.
The men's team now sits tied for first place in the OCAA West Division with 12 points and a 6-2 record.
The Lady Royals were swept by Humber 3-0. Despite playing well, the Royals were just outmatched by the Hawks who dominated offensively. The Royals could only generate 20 total offensive points but their strong defensive play kept them in the match. Game scores were 25-14, 25-17, and 25-23.
Curtiss Straatsma (Brampton, Ont.) had 10 total points from four kills, two aces, and four stuff blocks for Redeemer. Humber's Kelly Nyhof had a game-high 16 total points.
The Lady Royals record falls to 3-5 but they continue to cling to the sixth and final playoff spot.
Both teams finish the first semester at home on Friday when they host the Niagara Knights. Game time is at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Source: Redeemer University College