Queens improve to 5-0 with home victory over Rattlers

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens continue to roll.

The home team fed off double digit kill performances from middle Sydney Rix and outside hitter Anna Carlson and capped off a three set win over the Medicine Hat College Rattlers (25-11, 25-10 and 25-23).

"I thought we did a really good job of controlling our side. We've been doing that for the last couple of weeks," said Chris Wandler, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Head Coach.

"When you're playing against an inexperienced team - Medicine Hat has a lot of first-years - that's essentially what you have to do is control your own side and control everything that goes on inside of you and just try to execute as best as you can."

The Rattlers have 14 first-years on their roster. The Queens have seven rookies, including Abby Lowe who contributed five service aces, two kills and a stuff block. 

Lowe (1) and Letkeman (18)

Setter Emma Letkeman had 30 assists and four of her squad's 14 service aces. 

"Emma did a really good job of distributing balls in the middle," said Wandler. "Then Anna was the recipient and Tess was the recipient for the first two sets of some really good setting decisions." 

RDP outside hitter Tess Pearman had seven kills and two aces. 

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Match Anna Carlson led the home team in kills and added one ace, one assist, and one dig while contributing at the net.

"Twelve kills and a couple of blocks and she's just solid all around," said Wandler of fifth-year Anna Carlson.  

Red Deer's Sydney Rix played well in the middle, finishing with 11 kills, one dig and one stuff block.

"Sydney is pretty dynamic. She jumps really high and hits the ball at a good point, so it's pretty tough to match up against someone like that," explained Wandler. "You have to have the same type of athlete on the other side of the net. Sydney was the beneficiary of a lot of good decisions tonight." 

Queens libero Edyn Aasman, a Bachelor of Education Secondary student, picked up five digs and a pair of assists.

Montana Wright received the top player recognition for the Rattlers. In only two sets played, Wright knocked down six kills along with one ace and one stuff block. Sarah Singular totaled five kills and two digs. Setter Jordi Hazen had 12 assists. Kennedy Galloway was strong from the service line, picking up three of the Rattlers' four aces.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (5-0) will look to extend their winning streak against the Rattlers (0-3) on the road on Sunday, November 28 at 4 pm.