HAMILTON, ON - Redeemer Women's volleyball opened the OCAA season on the road against the Mohawk Mountaineers. The local rivals narrowly separate themselves from the Royals, leading the all-time match-up 10-12. Despite trailing the Mountaineers in the all-time records, Redeemer entered Saturday's match 2-1 in their last three matches.
Redeemer opened the match quickly asserting their dominance on the Mountaineer lineup. The Royals snatched the opening set 25-18.
The Reds dominant first set was nothing compared to their second set play. The Royals took a commanding lead on the match with a 25-10 second set victory. Redeemer's defense was key in the second set and the Mountaineers hit -.185.
Straight sweeps do not come easy in rivalries such as this. Mohawk stormed back in the third set, fending off several match points, and took the third 29-27.
Sparked by their third set heroics the Mountaineers forced a fifth set, winning the fourth by a score of 25-19.
As the Mountaineers continued to plot their reverse sweep, Redeemer stayed composed. The Royals dominated the fifth set and took a commanding lead. The Reds closed out the fifth set 15-6, picking up the victory in their season opener. Redeemer now closes the all-time records to 11-12 vs the Mountaineers and a 3-1 record in the last four.
The Royals start the season 1-0 and look toward their home opener Wednesday October 12th vs the Sheridan Bruins. Wednesday's match is also the Royals 'Pink Night', a night to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
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