By rdnewsNOW staff

Sights set on 15th banner

Kings Volleyball consistent, confident as they play for another national title

Mar 11, 2020 | 7:00 PM

The 2020 ACAC gold medal champion RDC Kings Volleyball team isn’t changing much as nationals approach in Fredericton, N.B.

The Kings played their best volleyball of the year at the ACAC Championship in Lethbridge, downing the host Kodiaks in a four set final (23-25, 25-19, 25-20 and 25-23) in the final.

“We are preparing the same way that we did all season with our video and scouting sheets on upcoming opponents. We are also trying to keep the guys fresh with lower volume at practice, but making sure that the intensity remains high,” said Head Coach Aaron Schulha, who coached the Kings to back-to-back national gold medals in 2016 and 2017.

“We were pleased with our level of play at the ACAC Championship, so it is a matter of keeping a high level and perhaps tweaking a few things from a technical/tactical perspective.”

On Thursday, March 12 (at 3 p.m. MDT) the Kings will open the CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship against the host St. Thomas Tommies, who won ACAA gold.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

17h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

18h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

19h ago

“They are a pretty scrappy team that plays with a lot of energy,” explained Schulha. “I would expect the energy to be even higher while playing at home during nationals, but we are used to that type of environment after playing against the host team Lethbridge in the Conference Championship.”

The Tommies have ACAA Player of the Year Christian Christie along with Conference All-Star Dallas Melnick.

“They have a left side and an opposite who have put up some rather larger numbers this season, and their setter does a good job of moving the ball around,” said Schulha. “We match up well from a physicality perspective, so if we continue to look after our first contacts, I think the result will be what we are looking for.”

Kings outside hitter Patrik Toze was good during the regular season, pounding 204 kills and averaging 2.68 per set with a 0.357 hitting percentage. Then he really elevated his game at the ACAC Championship. Toze was a force and was named the ACAC Championship Tournament MVP.

During the regular season, ACAC South Rookie of the Year Carter Hills led the team offensively with 255 kills (3.11 per set) and 36 service aces (0.44 per set). All-Conference setter Tom Wass grew his game and sat at the top of the league with 9.35 assists per set. Hills and Wass also shone during the playoffs and both student-athletes were named ACAC Championship Tournament All-Stars.

All-Conference Mark DeWit provides a solid option from the middle along with evolving Cody Boulding. Veteran Ben Holmes brings skill and a national championship pedigree.

As the Kings vie for their 14th national title, they enter the competition with momentum after finishing the regular season with ten straight wins followed by three more at the ACAC Championship.

“It’s always the plan to have your team playing at, or near, its best come championship season,” said Schulha. “Our players seem to have taken a big step over the last few weeks in particular, and their confidence is showing through on the court.”