Broncos drop Saturday night match to Lions

On Saturday evening at the Ralph Klein Center the Olds College Broncos were unable to match the Ambrose Lions, losing in four sets (25-16, 25-13, 24-26, 25-16).

Jeena Johner and Willow Lewington led the charge for the Lions, making 14 and 13 kills respectively. Meanwhile for the Broncos Victoria Ringuette was the best hitter, converting nine kills.

The Broncos fell behind early against the Lions, dropping five of the first seven due to a few unforced errors and strong Lions play.  

The Lions continued to play strongly in the first set as the Broncos struggled to get good blocks set up, allowing the Lions to gain a 20-12 lead late in the first set. Ambrose would go on to claim the first set 25-16.

The second set was similar to the first, as the Lions gained an early lead, and after a kill went up 14-5. The Broncos managed would manage three straight points before a missed serve allowed the Lions to regain a seven-point lead.

The Broncos also struggled in the passing game, unable to put the setter in a great position to set up the hitters.

A few points later the Lions were able to take the second set 25-13.

The Broncos began the third set much better, jumping out front 5-2. Not slowing down, the Broncos would put together one of their best runs of the season, scoring nine of the next 12 points to take a 14-5 lead, forcing an Ambrose timeout.

Out of the timeout the Lions were able to claw their way back into the game, taking six of the next eight points to make it a 16-11 game, however a bad serve would give the ball right back to the Broncos.

Up 21-16, the Broncos would call a timeout after an unforced error on an attempted free-ball pass.

However, the Broncos struggled closing the set out. With a 24-21 lead, the Broncos would let three straight points slip through their fingers before Ringuette sent down a huge smash to give the Broncos another set point.

The Broncos would take the next point, with new life in the match only down 2-1.

The Lions picked their game up in the fourth set, jumping ahead 9-2 early. They would continue to dominate, going up 20-8 due to timely hitting and a few too many Broncos errors.

A few points later the Lions would take the match 25-16.