REDEEMER 3, HUMBER 1

While the OCAA West Division of men's volleyball is packed with tough competition, there always seems to be an extra excitement surrounding a match at home that features the Royals and the Humber Hawks. A rivalry that is very new and fresh is turning out to be one that is always full of intensity and excitement. Last night at Redeemer University College, that was certainly the case.

The Redeemer Royals (13-3) entered the match coming off of their first loss in 12 games at the hands of the Niagara Knights. The men's team was looking to get back into the win column and continue the very difficult test of finishing in the top two in the highly contested OCAA West Division.

The Humber Hawks (12-5) were looking to continue their late surge having won six in a row. With Redeemer, Niagara, and Humber all sitting with 12 wins on the season, the tilt between the Royals and Hawks would prove to be a very valuable two points.

Backed by a large crowd of Royals supporters, Redeemer came out flying and stunned the visiting team with a convincing 25-16 first set win.

The second set proved to be similar to the first and although the final score was 25-21, the Royals controlled the run of play from start to finish.

The third set saw the Hawks gain some life and provided a glimpse of why Humber can be such a dangerous team. On the backs of a strong defensive performance, the Hawks took the third set 25-22.

From there, the Royals and Hawks battled it out in a close fourth set. Both teams exchanged points but Redeemer kept its edge. After a number of huge defensive plays, Redeemer took the lead late and was able to cruise to a 25-20 win and a 3-1 victory.

Three Royals had double digit points as Eric Heidbuurt (Waterdown, Ont.) had 18, Calvin Fast (St. Catherines, Ont.) had 16, and Cameron Groenendijk (Chemainus, B.C.) had 13. Setter Jake Klassen (Surrey, B.C.) had another strong game for Redeemer and Jesse Dykxhoorn (Holland Marsh, Ont.) had a team-high 21 digs.

Andre Brown and Matthew Issacs each had a team-high nine points for Humber.

With the win, Redeemer now moves back into first place in the OCAA West as the only team to have 13 wins.

The Royals have two games remaining with matches against the OCAA Provincial Championship host Sheridan Bruins (10-5), and the always-tough Hamilton rival Mohawk Mountaineers (8-7). Redeemer now controls its on fate in terms of playoff positioning. A win in either of their final games would secure them a top two finish and a bye right into the provincial championship.

David Klomps (Surrey, B.C.), Aaron Vanderlugt (Burlington, Ont.), and Jesse Dykxhoorn all competed in their final home game as a Redeemer Royal.

Source: Redeemer University College