ANCASTER, ON. Redeemer women's volleyball hosted the Niagara Knights Wednesday evening. The mid-week match-up held critical points for either team to capture and climb the standings. This season the OCAA West is even closer than it typically is. The Western division of OCAA men's volleyball has seen countless teams beat each other. Entering Wednesday's match 7 of the 10 teams sat within one match of third place. 

The Niagara Knights took the first match-up of the season against the Royals in the season opener in Welland, ON. Redeemer has been improving each match and looked to change the outcome from their first meeting.

The Royals opened the match by jumping to a 4-1 lead and looked as though they were going to make quick work of the Knights. Niagara fought off the Royals powerful serves and rallied back into the match. The Knights were able to flip the momentum in their favour and snatch the first set 25-21.

Redeemer knew they could play with the Knights. The Royals rolled into the second set and brought it to Niagara. Redeemer's service pressure won them the second set 25-15. Backed by the Royals crowd with ear-piercing noise, the Royals leveled the score 1-1. 

The Royals were unable to carry their success into the third set narrowly losing 25-22.

Redeemer was not going down without a fight. The Royals looked back to their second set success and were firing on all cylinders. Dominant service pressure supported by a blazing offense the Royals took the fourth set 25-16. Davis Young finished off the fourth set with an ace to send the Royals to the fifth and final set.

Fifth set action got underway in the Redeemer Athletic Centre with another ace from Young. Following Young to the service line who added an ace of his own. The Royals service pressure was excellent all night long and had the Knights scrambling in reception. Niagara settled into the final set and began to play their game. The Knights led 8-6 at the side switch. Niagara was able to add one more point to their lead and from there both sides traded points until the final whistle. Niagara capture the fifth set 15-12.

Simon Bourne and Davis Young yet again had stand-out nights. Bourne posted a career-high 26.0 points in the five-set match. The second-year sensation had 16 kills, 3 blocks and 7 service aces. Davis Young posted 41 assists and 4 aces.

The Royals next match is against the Sheridan Bruins on November 22nd. This match will also be the Royals annual Movember Support Night.