ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals welcomed the five-time defending OCAA champion Humber Hawks to the gym for a marquee men's volleyball matchup, with both teams hovering around the middle of the OCAA West standings. Humber entered the night at 5–4, while Redeemer sat right at .500 with a 5–5 record, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.

Redeemer came out firing in the opening set, feeding off an energetic home crowd and jumping out to a commanding 7–2 lead. The Royals maintained control for much of the frame and held a sizable advantage late, but the experienced Hawks showed their championship pedigree. Humber stormed back, forcing extra points and ultimately stealing the first set.

Undeterred, the Royals opened the second set with the same intensity, once again building a significant lead. Humber mounted another late comeback attempt, but this time Redeemer held firm, fending off the Hawks to even the match at one set apiece.

Momentum shifted in the third as the Royals struggled to find their rhythm. Humber capitalized, taking control early and securing the set to move ahead 2–1. Redeemer responded with renewed effort in the fourth, trading points and battling deep into the set, but a late, impressive service run from the Hawks proved to be the difference as Humber pulled away to close out the match.

Despite falling in four sets, the Royals' performance told a deeper story. Redeemer actually outscored the Hawks 62–59 over the course of the match, highlighting how narrow the margins were throughout the night. 

The Royals showed plenty of positives against one of the most decorated programs in the conference and will look to build on those bright spots as they regroup and prepare for their next matchup.

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