Clippers top Eagles in five-set thriller

The Briercrest College Clippers prevailed in an instant classic of a quarter-final matchup Thursday afternoon at the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre, topping The King's University Eagles in a five-set match (25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 21-25, 18-16).  
 
"We knew they were going to be a dangerous team," Clippers Head Coach Nigel Mullan said. "It's very exciting for our group.  
 
Karym Coleman had a massive 33-kill performance, also adding six digs and two aces. Tyson Nachtigall finished with eight kills for the Clippers to contribute to their offence as well. 
 
Four Eagles finished with double-digit kills, including Jayden Hiebert (14), Tanner Piers (13), Kaiden Aceron (12), and Carter Roflik (10). Mason Gorski put together a 48-assist performance, adding four aces to his final stat line.  

Jeremy Martens handled setting duties for the Clippers and put together a 40-assist performance. Brady Watchel led his side with 11 digs.  
 
Mullan said a benefit for his team was keeping focused throughout.  
 
"We talked a lot about how discipline can win the day and I thought our guys in the first two sets were focused on that, just worried about a point at a time," he said. "We knew we were going to fight and push and expected a real tough test." 
 
A mathematical upset by the standings and seeding perspective, Coleman praised the team effort in the victory.  
 
"It's surreal to be honest," he said. "We were working pretty hard for this and it's good to see that what we practiced and what we trained force to fruition.  
 
"I believe it's more of a trust thing where we had to trust each other to do our jobs and not one person tried to take over. It's great that this is a team victory."  
 
Gorski of the Eagles and Coleman picked up Player of the Game honours for their respective sides.