As the first semester begins to wind down for the Royals, Redeemer will look to finish strong through the end of November and early December. A true grind at this point in the season, this past weekend tested the Royals endurance and drive. With 6 matches in 24 hours, the Royals were up to the challenge, powering through, and taking all but one weekend game.
Redeemer's Women's and Men's Volleyball teams dispatched of their northern opponents, sweeping both Boreal Friday night, and Cambrian Saturday afternoon. Neither volleyball team dropped a set, each winning 3-0 for back-to-back weekend victories.
For the Women's Volleyball team, the pair of victories were their first of the season. Redeemer will try to take the momentum into Wednesday's semester finale, against the Conestoga Condors. Conestoga is one game behind Redeemer in the standings, occupying the 8th and final playoff spot. With a win Wednesday, the Royals could add some separation between them and the Condors and put pressure on the Sheridan Bruins who sit in 6th place in the OCAA West.
Abby Sluys continued her strong season for the Royals, registering 8 kills Friday night and 12 kills Saturday afternoon.
After a tough loss the previous week in 5-sets to the Niagara Knights, Redeemer's Men's Volleyball team go back on track with their back-to-back weekend wins. Redeemer had little trouble with their opponents Friday and Saturday, outscoring them 150-90 over the two games. Lexi Nieman had 17 assists in the win against Cambrian while
Maria VanVark had 21 assists for the Royals on Saturday.
Redeemer's William Winkelhorst had a breakout weekend for the Royals. On Friday night, Winkelhorst had 8 kills and 10 total points against the Golden Shield. He followed up his strong performance Friday with 9 kills and 11 total points on Saturday against the Vipers. Jason Wildeboer and Daniel Wolfert split setting duties over the two matches, finishing with a total of 33 and 29 assists respectively in the pair of wins.
Redeemer's basketball teams welcomed the Conestoga Condors on Saturday night to finish up the 6-game home stand.
Despite a gutty performance from the Women's Basketball team, the Royals found themselves on the losing end of a 65-57 decision. Missing leading scorer and rebounder Tobie Brinkman, the Royals still managed to keep pace with the visiting Condors. After a slow start, Redeemer found themselves down by as many as 11 points in the first half. However, the Royals grabbed their first lead with 7 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. The Condors regained the lead and held a 3-point advantage with just over two minutes to play. From there,Redeemer needed to foul to give themselves a chance, but the Condors hit their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Katrina Martin had a team-hight 16 points for Redeemer. Julia Pavlik added 14 points and 9 rebounds.
The final match of the weekend saw the Men's Basketball team extend their win streak to 5 games. One of the hottest teams in the country, the Royals have found their groove heading down the stretch to the Christmas Break. After starting the streak with wins against the top-ranked Sheridan Bruins and Fanshawe Falcons, Redeemer has gone on to pick up two wins against the Sault Cougars, and a win against the Conestoga Condors on Saturday night.
Down at the half 45-40 in Saturdays match to a determined Condors team, Redeemer poured it on in the 3rd quarter, outscoring their opponent 32-13 in the frame. Despite another good quarter by the Condors in the 4th, they were unable to erase the large deficit from the 3rd, as Redeemer took the match 98-85.
Foster Brown had a team high 21 points for Redeemer.
The Royals will face their toughest test of the season on Wednesday when they travel to Humber College to face the undefeated Hawks. The matchup will feature two of the top teams in the Province with both teams combining for an overall league record of 13-2. The Hawks have not lost yet this season, boasting a 7-0 record, while the Royals are undefeated for a full month, not losing since October 27th.
