Women defeat the Rattlers
The Briercrest Clippers faced off against the Medicine Hat Rattlers for their second weekend in a row at home.
The Rattlers took an early 3-0 lead on the Clippers, but it only took three more points for the Briercrest women to tie the game up. The lead then shifted, and Briercrest began to set the pace for the set, forcing a Rattlers timeout with the Clippers leading 12-5. Briercrest continued to add to their momentum, and although the Rattlers were able to score a few more points the Clippers won the first set 25-13.
The second set saw the Clippers take the early lead and run with it, creating a five-point lead. However, the Rattlers dug in, bringing the game to a 15-15 tie which caused Clippers head coach Nolan Weinmaster to call a timeout. But his words must have been inspiring, as the Clippers came out swinging and regained the lead, forcing Medicine Hat timeouts at 18-15 and 21-18. Building their attack, the Clippers again took a five-point lead and captured the second set 25-20.
The third set hat a very similar feel to the second, as the Clippers took the lead right from the get-go and forced a Rattlers timeout at 11-7. But once again, the Rattlers gained momentum and tied the game at 14's, forcing the Briercrest timeout. Both teams battled valiantly, with the Rattlers taking a timeout at 19-15 and the Clippers at 21-19, but at the end of the set Briercrest emerged victorious, winning the last set 25-21.
Player of the Game for Medicine Hat was #8 Shaya Suchy, who recorded 9 digs, and for Briercrest #2 Kirsty Kindrachuck, with 7 digs and 2 assists. Kirsty comments, "the team came out ready to fight tonight – we're excited for another opportunity to learn and grow tomorrow!"
The two teams will face each other again January 24 & 25 in Medicine Hat.