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Royal women find winning rhythm

Wiping away the malaise that comes with a five-match losing streak, the Douglas College Royals demonstrated a lot of the jam that made them one of the top teams last yar in the PacWest women's volleyball circuit a year ago.
Royal trio
Douglas College's (from left) Jane Kepler, Emma Schill and Olivia Cesaretti prepare to guard the net during last year's provincial playoffs. The team picked up two wins last week to end a five-match losing skid.

Wiping away the malaise that comes with a five-match losing streak, the Douglas College Royals demonstrated a lot of the jam that made them one of the top teams last yar in the PacWest women's volleyball circuit a year ago.

The squad, which has incorporated a healthy dose of first-year talent, peeled off back-to-back 3-0 wins over the Columbia Bible College last week.

It was the first time in nearly a month that the team had tasted victory, after launching the new season with a sweep over rival Capilano.

Third-year outside hitter Emma Schill counted 17 kills and 21 digs over the two days, including 13 digs in the team's 3-0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-13) decision on Friday.

A day earlier, the Bearcats provided a handful of resistance in a match that Douglas won by 25-19, 25-23, 25-22 margins.

Grace Warkentin also was a force both games, combining for 17 digs, including 13 on the first day.

The women look to continue their newfound winning ways in a two-day battle with the University of the Fraser Valley -- 6 p.m. Friday in the Valley, and 5 p.m. on Saturday at Douglas' New West campus.

 

ROYAL MEN BLANK BEARCATS

For the eighth straight time, Douglas College racked up the points and knocked down its rival.

The Royals men's volleyball team improved to 8-1 on the season, good for first place in the PacWest league, with twin 3-0 decisions over the Columbia Bible College Bearcats.

They finished the series off FRiday with a good test, clinching the shutout with a tough 26-24 win in the third set.

Reid Marriott continued to improve on his league-leading kill numbers, averaging 4.88 kills per set and a .468 hitting percentage.

Matt Shand chipped in with 13 digs and 11 kills, while Nick Hansen notched 17 digs.

The Royals play the University of Fraser Valley in a home-and-home set, with Friday in the Valley, and returning to New West campus' gym on Saturday for a 7 p.m. match.