Olson and Queens sweep Clippers, remain undefeated

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – Even though the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens defeated the Briercrest College Clippers in four sets Friday evening, they collectively felt that they could play with more consistency.

"We talked about if we have dips in our play to not make those dips too long and I thought we did a good job of just minimizing those today," said Chris Wandler, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Volleyball Interim Head Coach. "We want to keep our minds focused on the next execution and what our jobs are, and I thought that was done quite well this afternoon."

The team was focused in the rematch Saturday afternoon and swept the Clippers (25-17, 25-16 and 25-19). The RDP Queens didn't give the visitors any momentum and concentrated on their play.

"We want to keep sustained pressure on our opponent, no matter who they are," explained Wandler. "Today, we made more of an execution adjustment than a tactical adjustment."

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game McKenna Olson was one of several difference makers in the match. The Bachelor of Science Nursing student totaled eight kills (0.700), two blocks, one assist and one ace.

Olson felt that her team kept the pressure on the Clippers throughout the entire match.

"Last night, we let that third set get away from us a little bit," said Olson of the Clippers capturing that set 25-15 on Friday.

"I think we kept that in our minds and just put it away today. I thought we really remained composed the whole time. We never let up. We just kept going at them."

After Friday's match, Olson looked for ways to improve for Saturday.

"I reviewed video to find where to better place the ball," she said. "Today, we made smarter shots to find those holes on the court. That's one thing Chris reminded us of today and that really benefited us."

Olson deflected praise from her top player recognition to her teammates.

"I'm happy to have this, but I really think it was a team effort," she added. "We all did our own jobs and it worked out."

Wandler appreciated the strong performance from the five-foot-11 student-athlete.

"I like how McKenna is unwavering. She is very solid, consistent, attacked very well out of the middle and had a great connection with Emma [Letkeman]," said Wandler. "Her block and her hands at the net are just really solid. She deserves every accolades that she gets."

The Queens had several other incredible efforts. Outside hitter Jaiden Ferguson had six of her match high 13 kills (0.550) in the first set.

Ferguson (9)

"Fergie had a tremendous game. She plays with no fear and she has a super quick, whippy arm and the ball just comes off her hand really quick," added Wandler. "She didn't let the moment get too big and she did just tremendous."

Outside hitter Tess Pearman was good again, racking up 11 kills (0.304), five digs and a trio of aces. Anna Carlson added seven kills. Setter Emma Letkeman finished with 37 assists.

Carlson (11)

Julia Beer picked up the top player honour for the Clippers, totaling eight kills (0.300), five digs, one block and an ace.

The Clippers (5-3) will be back in action on Friday, February 4 when they host the Ambrose University Lions (5-6).

On Thursday, February 3, the first place Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (12-0) will play the SAIT Trojans (4-7) at 6 pm in Calgary.