Broncos fall to Rattlers in season opener

Broncos fall to Rattlers in season opener

Olds College Sports Information
October 12, 2018

OLDS, Alta. - The Olds College Broncos started their regular season on the wrong foot, falling in straight sets to the Medicine Hat College Rattlers at the Ralph Klein Centre on Friday.

The Broncos improved throughout the match, with set scores of 25-10, 25-15, and 25-21 in favour of the Rattlers.

Amber Stigter led Medicine Hat with six kills, five digs, and three block assists, while Brooke Christie added five kills, eight digs, and two block assists.

Emily Zaleschuk (Alvena, Sask.) paced the Broncos attack with five kills, eight digs, and an ace. Megan Gleddie (Edmonton, Alta.) also had five kills to go with four digs and an ace, while Clara Serrano (Calgary, Alta.) posted 13 digs.

Medicine Hat came charging out of the gate in the first set, prompting head coach Ryan Marsden, making his debut on the Bronco sidelines, to call timeout with Olds College down 12-4.

However, the Rattlers proved too strong in the early going, cruising to a convincing victory in the opening frame.

The second set was tight to start, and it looked as though the Broncos were gaining momentum with a 5-0 run to tie the set at 11-11. However, a reset got the Rattlers back on track, seizing control with a 14-4 run to take a two-set advantage.

The third set saw the Broncos take another step forward, hanging in and making the Rattlers earn every point en route to the straight sets victory.

Janeen Pellatt (Yorkton, Sask.) earned The Pit Player of the Game honours for the Broncos, while Christie was the Rattlers' player of the game.

The Broncos and Rattlers will complete the weekend doubleheader at the Ralph Klein Centre on Saturday at 1 p.m.