There were two kings, but only one crown, and in the end, it was the Red Deer Kings who pushed past The King’s University Eagles. In the opening match of the Murray Chevrolet Cadillac 2020 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship, Red Deer College jumped out to an early lead before closing out a 3-1 victory.

“It's the type of match that you want as the first match,” says Red Deer Kings head coach Aaron Schulha. “We did a lot of good things but had to battle through some adversity, and it could have been a different game if not for all the hand calls on both sides. I think it's important for our guys to know that we can be much better and more consistent, but it's always nice when you battle through that adversity.”

Red Deer, the second seed in the south division, entered the match on a 10-game winning streak, and kept rolling in the first set. Six-foot-two Carter Hills (first year, Bachelor of Education – Science, Legal, Alta.) who was named ACAC rookie of the year the night before, led Red Deer with four kills from the off-side in a 25-20 win. The Kings kept that momentum rolling in a dominating 25-10 second set. 

However, the Eagles fought back with a strong third set. They rallied from an early deficit and took their first lead of the game at 19-18. After some back-and-forth action, Tanner Piers (second year, Social Sciences, Edmonton) and Evan Veldman (third year, Arts, Terrace, B.C.) had strong plays late in the set that helped the Edmonton side to a 25-23 victory. 

“I can appreciate the value in coming back,” says King’s University head coach Patrick Winand. “I think what we were missing towards the end is just a little bit of experience – over 50 per cent of our starting lineup are second years – so we knew that we don't necessarily have the championship experience. But I think towards the end was a good example of what this team could do when they are third, fourth and fifth years.”

Momentum went back-and-forth in an intense fourth set. Red Deer finally caught a break late in the set with big hits and solid serving to keep them in the game and to hold off The King’s University Eagles 25-20. 

The Kings move on to Friday’s 6 p.m. semi-final against either Briercrest. The Eagles move onto consolation play against NAIT on Friday at 1 p.m.   

Players of the Game:

King’s: Evan Veldman
Red Deer: Patrik Toze