LONDON, Ont. - The Fanshawe women's volleyball team (4-1) defeated the Redeemer Royals (4-2) in three straight sets (27-25, 25-23, 25-21). With the win, Fanshawe takes sole possession of second place in the OCAA West Division standings. The Falcons cracked the CCAA national rankings this week, coming in at No. 15.

The Falcons came out energized to start the match, causing the Royals to take their first time out with the score just 8-3. Fanshawe's Kaitlyn Kelly was connecting early with setter Darian Gropp on a number of big left side attacks. The Royals made an impressive run behind some tough serving and tied the game at 24. The teams traded points but an ace by Kelly gave the Falcons the 27-25 first set victory.

Unforced errors by the Falcons gave the Royals an early second set lead but Fanshawe battled back to take their first lead of the set 10-9 on an ace by Fanshawe's Shelby Charleton. With the game tied at 17, Royals right side Curtiss Straatsma had a huge stuff block, giving Redeemer the one point lead.  Both teams were determined to win the second set but Fanshawe's attack was too much for the Royals to handle. Fanshawe won the second set 25-23.

Fanshawe took control early in the third, shutting down the Royals attack. Fanshawe's Charleton became a human wall, touching everything Redeemer tried to send over the net.  The Falcons pulled away and won the final set by a final score of 25-21.

Fanshawe's Kelly finished the match with 17 points including 13 kills and four service aces. Redeemer's Straatsma led the Royals with 18 kills and one block.

Fanshawe plays again at home this Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. versus the Sheridan Bruins (0-4).

Source: Fanshawe College