Rattlers women continue search for consistency after three losses to start 2018
It hasn’t been the start to the new year the Medicine Hat women’s volleyball team was hoping for.
After dropping two games last weekend to the SAIT Trojans, the women hosted and fell to the Briercrest Clippers Friday night, losing in three straight sets (23-25, 2025, 16-25).
“I thought we did a good job of coming out strong tonight and being ready,” said Rattlers head coach Kim Stonehouse. “That’s actually the opposite of how our games usually go, so that was good to see tonight. But, there were a lot of balls tonight that fell without anyone going for them.”
The Rattlers started the game out on the right foot, but lost the first set by just two points, but were unable to carry any momentum to the second and third sets.
“It just goes back to that mental side of the game for us,” said Stonehouse. “We’re really struggling with that right now, and it’s frustrating for us. We’re a really talented team, and to see us struggle because of the mental side of the game is tough to swallow at times.”
With three losses to start 2018, Stonehouse says the team is hoping to come out strong Saturday in their rematch against the Clippers.
“We’ve been talking as a team about what we want to improve going into tomorrow’s game, and they need to be accountable,” she said. “We’re getting to the point in the season where saying all of the right things isn’t enough. I want to see results, and I know we can get a win.”
Amber Stigter had eight kills to lead the Rattlers, while Shaya Suchy and Brooke Christie had eight digs each.
The men’s team also took on Briercrest and fell in a five-set thriller to the Clippers (16-25, 25-18, 23-25, 28-26, 8-15).
Alfred Dalevik led the Rattlers with 12 kills. Vitor Pereira had 15 digs.
The Rattlers basketball teams were in Olds Friday to take on the Broncos.
The Rattlers women came out on top of the early game with a 96-70 win. Kennedy Werre had a team-high 29 points to lead the way.
The men’s team followed suit, claiming a win over the Broncos as well, this game by a score of 97-67.
Jon Sappleton had a team high 18 points, while Justin King and DeAngelo Ashley had 16 of their own.
Rattlers volleyball teams will play the Clippers Saturday at home. Games start at 1 p.m.
Basketball teams will play again Saturday in Olds.