ANCASTER, ON. The undefeated Humber Hawks (11-0) entered the den Wednesday night. Humber, the three-straight defending OCAA Champions, continued their excellence through the first semester, dropping only two sets. The Hawks were victorious in their first match-up against the Royals in early November, securing a 3-0 win. 

Redeemer looked to start the second semester off strong, facing the top-ranked Hawks. The Royals remaining seven matches will be crucial in determining their playoff seeding. Redeemer sat in sixth place in the OCAA West entering Wednesday's match. 

The Royals startled the Hawks in the opening action. Redeemer maintained consistent pressure on the Hawks throughout the first set. The Royals were in the driver's seat in set one and were determined to knock off the number one team in the province. 

Humber managed to steal a few points late in the opening set and win 26-24.

The second set action had the Royals make their tactical adjustments and replicate their set one performance. Redeemer persistently found a way to score the ball and pushed the Hawks to their limits. 

Humber yet again was able to steal two points late and sneak away with a second-set victory 25-23.

The Hawks came into set three looking to make a statement. Humber jumped to a commanding lead of 18-5. The Royals were not going to go down easy. Redeemer middle Alyson Stolte led the charge and sparked an eight-point service run that extinguished one of the Hawks' timeouts. Stolte recorded four service aces that time at the line and added another earlier in the match. The RU Royal Family was loud and on their feet as they carried the momentum from Stolte's heroics. 

Humber was able to find their composure late in the set and close out the straight-set victory 25-17.

Key contributors for the Royals were Joelle Lammers and Carlene Cecchelli. Lammers continued her impressive season leading the way for Redeemer through the middle of the court. Cecchelli bolstered the Royals defensive efforts recording five digs.

The Hawks remain a perfect 12-0 while Redeemer falls to 5-7. The Royals next contest has them travel to face the Conestoga Condors on January 15th.