Lions’ Win Streak Continues With Five Set Win Over Broncos

Ambrose Player of the Game Jess Zacharias, coming close to her season high in assists last night with 36, also led her team from the service line with 3 aces and only 1 miss over 5 sets.

The Broncos came out hot in the first set, controlling the game with dominant serving. First year Broncos setter Avery Gammel built up a massive lead after an 8 point serving run, taking her team from 9-12 to 17-12. Olds held onto their lead and finished the first set at a comfortable 25-19.

Ambrose fought back and won the next two sets, improving their passing and limiting their errors. Four Lions players had at least 8 kills on the night; Maddy Williscroft and Willow Lewington led the offense with 15 and 11 kills respectively, while Jeena Johner and Ashleigh McKinnon each picked up 8. The home team had to earn every point from a scrappy Olds team that collectively picked up 77 digs. 2nd year Broncos Vic Ringuette and Shaelynne Roux were standout attackers and blockers for their team, while Megan Gleddie led the Broncos in kills with 17.

Down 2-1, Olds fought hard for a fourth set victory and secured it largely on the back of blocking and defense. Roux had 5 blocks overall, while Broncos POG Clara Serrano rounded out the defense with 18 digs.

In the final set, both teams lived and died from the service line. Olds looked strong in the early points, taking an 8-5 lead before the Lions block came alive and the home teamed stormed back with a 6-1 run to make it 11-9. Willow Lewington and Ali Leskow combined for several crucial blocks late in the set, before an Olds hitting error gave Ambrose game and set point at 15-12.

The Lions will face the Broncos once again tonight, this time in the Ralph Klein Centre, hoping to end the first half of their semester with four straight wins. Head to acactv.ca to watch the Broncos broadcast, beginning at 6:00 pm.

- Brent Ingram