ANCASTER, ON. Redeemer Men's Volleyball hosted the perennial powerhouse Fanshawe Falcons on Wednesday evening. The Royals home-opener came with much anticipation as the young Royals squad has high aspirations this season. Welcoming University of Toronto transfer Davis Young into the Red and Navy, the Royals crowd was eager to see the new-look Royals in person. 

The Fanshawe Falcons are riding back-to-back silver medalist seasons and are built to continue their success this year. 

The first set of action got underway and the Falcons delivered as expected. Fanshawe jumped to an early lead startling the Royals to open the match. The first set went in favour of the Falcons 25-21. 

Redeemer, backed by a packed gymnasium, stormed into the second set. Led by Davis Young orchestrating the Royals offense, Redeemer established their dynamic left-side duo Simon Bourne and Jonah Heidbuurt. Posting only two attacking errors in the second set, Redeemer delivered their offensive punch and levelled the score 1-1.

The Royals picked up in the third set where they left off. Redeemer's middles continue to be the backbone and driving force for the Royals. Demik and Joosse were extremely efficient all night long and were a dominant force at the net tallying eleven blocks combined. Redeemer took the third set 25-23.

Fanshawe was not going to let this match slip away. The Falcons flew into set number four and quickly jumped to a convincing lead. Redeemer was forced to burn both timeouts before the Falcons reached fifteen points. Despite a late spark of energy from the substituted Royals, Fanshawe forced the fifth and final set. 

Fifth-set action got underway in the Redeemer Athletic Centre and the Royals led at the side switch 8-7. With the RU Royal Family on their feet chanting, Redeemer edged closer to victory. The aggressive service pressure of the Royals was dialled in and continued to extinguish the Falcon's offensive momentum. Redeemer sat with a 14-13 lead looking for a side-out to win. Davis Young dished an out-of-system ball to Jonah Heidbuurt on the left side who ripped the ball off high hands and out to take the match. Redeemer took down the Falcons 3-2.

Wednesday's match was an excellent performance from both sides. The Royals were able to string together and complete the match limiting their previous struggles. 

Redeemer is back in action this Saturday, November 2nd when they host the Mohawk Mountaineers.