GUELPH, ON – The Gryphons men's volleyball team extended their win streak to four thanks to a straight sets victory over the RMC Paladins Friday night in their home opener. Set scores were 25-19, 25-16, 25-22. The Gryphons move to 4-1 on the season as the Paladins see their record go to 2-4.
The Gryphons were highly efficient from the floor, especially in the first set getting 17 kills on 28 attempts and only 2 errors. Even with the attack converting at a high percentage, Guelph's serving was a problem for them all night as they would have 19 service errors in the match. And 8 in the first that would keep RMC in the set before the Gryphs rattled off 4 straight points to win the first set as Ken Kerr would hammer down a kill with authority for 25-19 first set win.
The Gryphons would continue to stay hot on the floor to start the 2
nd set going on a 12-4 run as they would roll to a comfortable 25-16 second set win. Anytime the Gryphons needed a big point in the third set, they would come through and get that key point when it looked like RMC was creeping back into the set. As the Paladins rattled off four straight points to cut the Gryphs lead to 22-20, the hosts would get that much needed point as
Kendrick Kerr rifled down another kill off another great set from
Sam Kloke and that was the point that would seal the victory for the hosts.
Third year right side
Zach Newman had a team high 14 points (13 kills, 1 ace) as Ken Kerr and third year setter Sam Kloke were the stars tonight. Kerr finished with 12 kills on 14 attempts and Kloke had 41 assists along with his 7 digs.
Gryphons Coach
Cal Wigston had high praise for Kloke and Kerr tonight, "We have a great connection with our setter [Sam Kloke] and our middle hitter [Kerr]. Kenny is a special, special player. Our setter and him just connected so well tonight. It was so fun to watch."
Kerr also had high praise for his teammate and setter, "He just put it in a spot where I can hit it and just put it down for him." Kerr said of Kloke's play.
The Gryphons will look to extend their win streak to 5 games against a very quality Queen's Gaels off to a 4-1 start Saturday night at the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre.
