Rustlers Women's Volleyball | Weekend Recap - Nov 29 & 30, 2019
The Rustlers women's volleyball team finished off the first semester of league play with a sweep of the Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) Wolves.
On Friday night, the Rustlers defeated the Wolves in 3 straight sets (25-10, 25-13, 26-24). The Rustlers showed absolute dominance in the first two sets against the Wolves, executing their game plan nearly flawlessly.
However, the Wolves would not roll over just yet, and they challenge the Rustlers in the third set. The set was close throughout, with the Wolves taking a late lead. Some strategic timeouts from head coach Austin Dyer and some remarkable defensive play from the Rustlers allowed for them to win the sets in extra points 26-24.
Player of the game for the Rustlers was second-year middle blocker Kaylie Lueck with 6 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 digs. First-year outside hitter Jenay Varga had a team-high 14 kills, 2 service aces, 3 blocks, and 12 digs for the Rustlers. Fourth-year right-side hitter added 12 kills.
Saturday afternoon was a rematch for the Wolves and Rustlers, and ultimately the Rustlers would make a comeback from being down 2 sets to none heading into the third set to winning the match in 5 sets (21-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-10, 15-8).
The match would be a rocky start for the Rustlers in which the Wolves managed to exploit the Rustlers at key times in the sets. The Wolves would win the first set 25-21 and win the second set by a narrow margin at 25-23.
With the game on the line heading into the third set, the Rustlers turned the game around and would dominate from then on. The Rustlers would win the next two sets rather handily 25-15, and 25-10 forcing a fifth set.
In the fifth and final set, the Rustlers continued on their roll and would win the set 15-8 awarding them the match.
Player of the game for the Rustlers was fourth-year libero Olivia Thomson with 10 digs, and a 2.03 serve receive passing average. Right side Bailee Weiler scored 24 kills and is now the new Rustlers women's volleyball record holder for most kills in one match! She also had 2 blocks, 10 digs, and 7 assists.
Jenay Varga had 13 kills and was the backbone of the Rustler defense with 22 digs.
This past weekend concluded the first semester of league play for the Rustlers, and they are currently sitting at a record of 9 wins and 3 losses, good for 2nd in the ACAC North Division.
The Rustlers will return to action in the new year on Saturday, January 11 to take on the Concordia Thunder.