Royals Push no.3 Sting to Five, Fall Short in OCAA Quarter-Finals
KING CITY, ON - The Redeemer Royals women's volleyball team closed out a historic season Friday night with a hard-fought five-set battle against the Seneca Sting at Seneca Polytechnic. Facing the No. 3-ranked team in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and the top seed from the East Division of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, the Royals pushed the Sting to the brink before falling 3–2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-15, 24-26, 15-10).
Before first serve, OCAA award winners from both programs were recognized for their outstanding seasons, setting the stage for what would become one of the most competitive and entertaining matches of the year.
From the opening point, it was clear neither side would give an inch. The rallies were relentlessly long, with both defenses extending plays and forcing extra swings. Seneca narrowly captured the opening set 25-23, but the Royals responded with poise in the second, earning a 25-21 victory to even the match.
After dropping the third set, Redeemer showed tremendous resilience in the fourth. With the season on the line and the crowd energized, where the Royals faithful out numbered the Sting fans, the Royals battled through another series of marathon rallies to claim a dramatic 26-24 set win, forcing a decisive fifth.
In the final frame, both teams continued their high-level play, but Seneca found a late surge to secure the 15-10 win.
Statistically, it was one of the most efficient attacking performances of the season for both teams. Each side recorded a hitting percentage above .325. Four Royals finished with double-digit kills, led by First Team All-Star Joelle Lammers. Lammers delivered a remarkable performance with 13 kills, zero errors on 20 attempts, posting a game-high .650 hitting percentage in one of the most efficient outings of the season.
While the result did not fall in their favour, the Royals have much to celebrate. This year's squad finished tied for the highest winning percentage in program history and consistently represented Redeemer University with excellence, integrity, and faith. A team built on talent, unity, and strong Christian character, these student-athletes competed with passion and purpose all season long.
Though their playoff run comes to an end, the legacy of this group is secure. The 2025-26 Royals will be remembered not only for their success on the court, but for the way they embodied what it means to wear the Royals crest.
