Eagles hold off hungry Lions in a five-set victory to advance

CAMROSE, Alta. - In a dramatic ending to Day 1 of action, the King's University Eagles capped off a five-set 3-2 victory over the Ambrose Lions (26-28, 25-19, 16-25, 22-25, 15-9) at the ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship on Thursday night at Augustana Gym.

The win guarantees the Eagles a shot at a medal as they advance to the championship Semi-Final and will take on the hosting University of Alberta - Augustana Vikings. Meanwhile, the Lions will take on the Briercrest Clippers on the consolation side of the bracket.

"Really proud of the girls for coming out on top," mentioned Eagles head coach Grace Scott. "Props to Ambrose for a great offensive game and I think people got their money's worth tonight."

Veteran Brooke Risselada flew the Eagles to Victory with 21 kills in the marathon match, with Leah Aukema setting her side up with 42 assists. Across the court, Taylor Hart and Elise Wagner would combine for 29 kills on the night, with Wagner adding nine digs.

Pushing the limits, both teams exchanged hard-fought points throughout the opening set as they worked to settle into the match. However, it would be Hart helping lead her side over the finish line with seven kills in the set, needing extra points, 28-26.

With the Eagle regaining control and taking the set lead 2-1, the Lions were forced to leave everything on the court. Stopping a six-point run, the Lions found themselves once again tied with the Eagles and stuck in a tug-a-war, however, it was libero Christina Bett's fully extended reach to keep the ball in play that brought the momentum in favour of the Lions to tie the set at 21, before Wagner's kill down the line put the set away.

With everything to play for in a fifth set and final Quarterfinal match of the day, the Eagles showed their experience getting out to a blistering 10-3 lead. In what seemed like a done deal following rookie Sydney Seida's block, bringing the Eagles one point away from a match win, the Lions would come roaring back once more stringing together three points and forcing a timeout to be called. Returning from the breather, the Lions would commit an attacking error, ending the match, 15-9.

"We have to prepare for an amazing gym full of people that are banging pots and pans tomorrow night," added Scott. "We know it will be an exciting atmosphere and the Vikings are a team that will battle as they have already shown earlier today."

Both teams will be back in action for Day 2, with the Eagles taking on the Vikings at 8:00 PM MST, while the Lions will face the Clippers at 3:00 PM. All games will take place in the Augustana Gym.