ANCASTER, ON – With playoff positioning on the line and the energy of Senior Night filling the Redeemer Athletic Centre, the Royals Men's Volleyball team delivered a composed and convincing performance on Saturday evening, sweeping the visiting St. Clair Saints 3–0 (25–18, 25–22, 25–20). Both teams entered the night clustered in the crowded middle pack of the OCAA West Division, making every point meaningful as the regular season nears its close. Redeemer, coming off an important midweek victory over Niagara, rose to the occasion and avenged an earlier 3–2 loss to the Saints in Windsor with a decisive home-court response.
Redeemer's offence was balanced all match long. Jonah Heidbuurt led the Royals with 11 kills on .320 hitting while adding two solo blocks for a match-high 14 points. Outside hitter Simon Bourne followed with 10 kills and 12 total points, battling through heavy Saints blocking to provide steady scoring from the left side. Senior Jared Prinsloo contributed 5 kills, two blocks, and 8 points in his final regular-season home match, while fellow senior Andrew Walcott anchored the backcourt with six digs in a strong defensive outing. Setter Ben Brouwer directed the attack with outstanding accuracy, finishing with 29 assists and 12 digs, pacing the Royals' rhythm from start to finish.
Defensively, Redeemer controlled the match with aggressive cover as they registered 44 digs, doubling St. Clair's total, and dominated the net with 11 blocks, led by Jack Demik's four solo stuffs and Luke Marshall's three solo blocks in the middle. Redeemer's ability to control first contact and win key blocking matchups proved decisive, particularly late in each set as the Saints poured on the pressure.
The evening carried added meaning as the program celebrated graduating seniors Jared Prinsloo and Andrew Walcott, two cornerstone pieces who have shaped the culture and competitive identity of Royals Volleyball. Their contributions were felt once again tonight, both statistically and in the leadership presence they brought to a young and ascending roster.
With back-to-back victories this week and a statement sweep on home court, Redeemer strengthens its position in the OCAA West playoff race and carries valuable momentum into the season's final stretch. The Royals now turn their attention to a pivotal matchup on the road next week as they travel to face the Conestoga Condors on Friday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m.
