Queens drop Rustlers in four, earn ACAC gold and trip to nationals

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – For the first time since 2014/2015, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Volleyball team has won Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold.

“I’ve always wanted to win a provincial title,” said Tess Pearman, a Bachelor of Education Elementary student. “The last regular season we had, we came so close. Coming into this year, that was our goal the whole season.”

In 2019/2020, the Queens earned ACAC silver and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national bronze. Then COVID-19 shutdown the 2020/2021 season.

In front of an energetic home crowd, the Queens were even with the Lakeland College Rustlers after two sets, but found an extra gear to win the next two sets and match (25-23, 23-25, 25-14 and 25-20).

“When you get down to the last match of the year between two first place teams in the league, it’s going to be a battle,” said Chris Wandler, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Volleyball Interim Head Coach. “From the end of our last regular season match when we went five [sets] against Lethbridge and they battled us in the quarter-final, and again last night, that prepared us for this atmosphere.”

Pearman (8)

In a close first set, a stuff block from outside hitter Pearman bumped the RDP Queens ahead 11-10. Lakeland’s Jenay Varga kept her team close. With her fifth kill, the outside hitter had the Rustlers even 22-22. Ultimately, a dump ball from RDP setter Emma Letkeman sealed a 25-23 decision.

Lakeland outside hitter Mackenzie Yole’s third kill knotted up the second set 7-7. The teams traded points to 18-18. Rustlers setter Jana Laing continued the strong connection with Varga, who rattled off three consecutive kills to solidify a 25-23 win.

With a trio of serves from middle Sydney Rix, the RDP Queens captured a 9-4 edge in the third set. RDP’s Vanessa Loos entered the match and had an ace, which pushed the Queens ahead by nine (18-9).

“In a tough situation, we executed at a high level when we needed to and that was the key piece,” added Wandler. “It shows the experience and tenacity that this group has.”

The home team maintained that momentum and a late kill by Jaiden Ferguson, her ninth, helped the Polytechnic pick up a 25-14 victory.

Ferguson (9)

“Fergie had a hot hand last match, so she deserved the start,” said Wandler. “She got off to a little rocky start, but she persevered through that. She just needed to chip in where she could.”

Lakeland’s Avery Bates lifted her team to an early 5-3 margin in the fourth set with her seventh kill. The Queens started to climb back into the frame. RDP went up 14-10 off Pearman’s 12th kill from the left. The Polytechnic continued to push and solidified a 25-20 win, earning ACAC gold.

“To win this championship and to win it at home … I couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Pearman.

The Lakeland College Rustlers picked up silver.

Ferguson contributed 13 kills for the Queens.

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game Pearman totaled 13 kills, 10 digs, one block, one assist and one of the team’s 10 service aces.

“When we needed a big kill, Tess got it,” said Wandler. “That just gave everyone a spark.”

Domoney (3)

When Pearman went up to accept her top player award, she insisted that Domoney join her.

“Kaylee, player of the game, for sure,” added Pearman. “She saves our butt every game and she holds our team together. She is an amazing player and deserves the recognition.”

Libero Kaylee Domoney was outstanding and picked up 17 digs.

“We haven’t played defence like that all year, mainly because we executed offensively so well. When you match up in championship time versus three defending teams, you have to match them dig for dig,” explained Wandler. “Our back row did a phenomenal job. Kaylee is our rock and everything we do is based upon her.”

Anna Carlson had 12 kills (0.455 hitting percentage) and five of the Queens’ 10 aces.

Rustlers Player of the Match Laing accumulated 35 assists and four digs. Teammate Varga had 18 kills, 10 digs and three of the Rustlers’ six aces. Yole added nine kills and Bates chipped in with eight.

The RDP Queens have won 20 ACAC gold medals.

“We had to earn this spot and that gives us a sense of pride to represent our conference – the best conference in the country,” said Wandler of the team’s trip to nationals. “It means a lot to represent those other 13 colleges in Charlottetown.”

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will compete at the CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship from March 25-27 in Prince Edward Island. Holland College will host the prestigious event.

“Our game against TKU really helped us. That was probably the hardest game I’ve ever played in my entire life – mentally draining and being down and able to come back set us up well for today,” said Pearman. “No more easy games. We have to fight for every point.”