ANCASTER, ON - On a special evening dedicated to raising awareness for the team's Movember campaign, the Redeemer men's volleyball team delivered a gritty, high-energy performance in a five-set showdown against the visiting Niagara Knights. With custom Movember jerseys, a packed house, and a cause bigger than the game itself, the atmosphere inside the Redeemer gym was electric from the opening serve.
The Royals fed off that energy immediately, taking the opening set 25–20 behind an incredibly efficient offensive showing. Redeemer hit an outstanding .407 in the first frame.
Sets two and three swung toward Niagara, though both were tightly contested. The two teams traded point-for-point for long stretches, but a couple of small service runs proved to be the difference as the Knights edged ahead to take a 2–1 match lead.
Refusing to let the night slip away, Redeemer dug deep in the fourth. Redeemer rallied and took the fourth set 26-24, sending the match to a fifth set that didn't begin until around 11:00 p.m.
The match also featured two outstanding individual performances that nearly rewrote the Redeemer record book. Setter
Ben Brouwer posted 53 assists, the second-highest total in a single match in program history. Outside hitter
Simon Bourne was equally impressive, hammering down 26 kills, the third-most ever recorded by a Royal in a single match.
Despite the historic efforts, Niagara struck first in the deciding set. The Royals fell behind early and struggled to slow the Knights' relentless offense. Redeemer fought hard but couldn't mount a late push, ultimately falling 15–9 in the fifth.
For all things Royals, follow us on Instagram @redeemerroyals.