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RDC Athletics weekend recap

Jan 8, 2019 | 5:53 AM

RED DEER-  Four RDC teams were back in conference action this past weekend.

The Queens Basketball team worked hard and pushed the defending champions, the St. Mary’s University Lightning, to the limit but dropped a close game at home.

Then, the Lightning captured Saturday’s decision at home with an offensive push in the second-half.

The RDC Kings Basketball squad split their weekend series with the Lightning, which included an outstanding road game in Calgary, eclipsing 100 points.

Both volleyball teams had excellent weekends, defeating the Ambrose University Lions in a pair of matches.

Here is a summary of what happened.

Queens Basketball on Friday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

The Red Deer College Queens were beaten by the St. Mary’s University Lightning 66-62.

Sandra Garcia-Bernal, a five-foot-five guard from Spain, received the Queens Player-of-the-Game award, totaling 16 rebounds, 11 points, five steals and one assist.

Queens Head Coach Ken King was proud of Garcia-Bernal’s persistent effort and performance. “Sandra is a competitor right until the final buzzer and she will sacrifice her body. She will outcompete anybody on the court, every time we play. That is one of her staples,” says King. “We know what we are getting out of Sandra every single game. She is putting up rebound numbers, which for somebody her size, are unheard of, and she is competing for the rebound title in the league.”

Queens Basketball on Saturday at St. Mary’s University

After an even first-half (34-34), St. Mary’s offence gained traction, helping the Lightning pick up an 81-58 home win over the Queens.

St. Albert’s Lauren Cardinal led the way offensively for RDC, contributing 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Kings Basketball on Friday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

The RDC Kings dropped an 80-72 home decision to the St. Mary’s University Lightning.

Spencer Klassen totaled 26 points, six rebounds and five steals for the Kings, and was selected as the RDC Player-of-the-Game.

Kings Basketball on Saturday at St. Mary’s University

The Kings had a tremendous bounce-back performance in Calgary, defeating the Lightning 108-82.

Spencer Klassen had 34 points in the road victory.

The Kings (5-5) are only two points out of a playoff spot, just behind the Medicine Hat College Rattlers (6-5) who have played one more game.

Queens Volleyball on Friday at Ambrose University

The Queens Volleyball team swept the Ambrose University Lions in Calgary. (25-15, 27-25 and 25-22) 

Queens Volleyball on Saturday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

In a rematch, the Red Deer College Queens downed the Lions at home in four sets. (25-16, 25-22, 16-25 and 32-30)

Emma Holmes, a Bachelor of Kinesiology student from Red Deer, was a factor for RDC, stacking up 17 kills and 10 digs, and was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game.

Queens Head Coach Chris Wandler has been impressed with the progression of his first-year outside hitter. “Emma is clutch. Her game doesn’t change whether it is point zero or point 32.” 

The Queens (8-6) have won seven of their past ten matches and share third place in the south with the Lions.

Kings Volleyball on Friday at Ambrose University

The RDC Kings won in three sets over the Ambrose University Lions.(25-22, 25-18 and 25-19)

Regan Fathers picked up 12 kills, five digs, one assist and one stuff block. Thomas Wass, a six-foot-two setter from Adelaide, Australia, had 24 assists, eight digs and one ace for RDC.

Kings Volleyball on Saturday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

The Kings handled the Lions in three sets. (25-14, 25-17 and 25-16)

Tristan Simmonds totaled 10 kills and six digs, which earned him the Kings Player-of-the-Game.

Kings Head Coach Aaron Schulha appreciated the play from the fifth-year power hitter. “I liked pretty much everything about Tristan,” he says. “He played pretty confidently after he settled in on the receive end of things. He is a very athletic guy and he adds energy.”

With the win, the RDC Kings (10-4) share second spot in the south standings with the SAIT Trojans (10-4), and have won seven consecutive matches.

For more information on RDC Athletics, the student-athletes, scores, and game recaps of conference games, visit: rdcathletics.ca

(Gary McKinnon – Red Deer College Athletics)