Clippers rise to top of ACAC Men's Volleyballin Fort McMurray

For just the second time in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) history, and the first time since 2011, the Briercrest Clippers are on top of Men's Volleyball in the conference.

The Clippers won a four-set match (31-29, 32-30, 18-25, 25-23) to defeat their third higher-seeded opponent in as many days, taking down the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and preventing their attempt at a three-peat. On their path to victory, the Clippers defeated both the number one seeds from each divisions and booked their spot in the Championship final with a win over the NAIT Ooks, who took the spot ahead of them on the podium last year. 

Karym Coleman put together another astoudning performance with 33 kills to lead his team as his thunderous slams were nearly unstoppable all match long. With it, he also added nine digs, two blocks, and an ace. Brady Watchel contributed 23 digs to lead both sides of the court as the Clippers dove and routinely chased after every loose ball to save and continue the rally, sometimes succeeding or forcing the Kings to come up with another huge answer. 

For the Kings, Noah Carlson contributed 15 kills and Colby Nemeth added 12 kills of his own. Jonathan Graham led the defending champions with 20 digs in the match. 

The first two sets were full of highs and lows on momentum for each side, with the teams playing past the 25-point threshold on both occasions. With the set continually progressing, the Clippers found the strength to power two points together at the right time to claim each of the sets. 

Not going quitetly into the night, the Kings roared back to open the third set with a strong run of their own. Eventually claiming the set, the Kings looked to continue their comeback bid in the fourth set but were shutdown by the Clippers in another tight set, taking it 25-23. 

The Clippers will now advance to Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Volleyball Nationals, hosted by Humber College.