Unlikely scorers give Briercrest a full weekend sweep
Acuna scored the game-winning kill as Briercrest defeated Olds in three straight sets for the second time this weekend, scores being 25-22, 25-13, and 25-15.
Although Briercrest veteran Pablo Acuna is consistently a thrill to watch, fans had the privilege of not only seeing the Costa Rican import dig, but spin serve, set and even hit in the third set to conclude his run as a Clipper.
Olds came out stronger than last night in the first set, matching Briercrest point for point, eventually surpassing them, putting Briercrest back 9-13. Serving was a factor in the scoring for both teams throughout the set. Briercrest moved incrementally behind Olds for a few points, Steve Guenther’s consecutive aces contributing to Briercrest moving back into the lead, 20-18. Briercrest finished off the set 25-22.
Briercrest very quickly took command of the second set, grabbing a 7-2 lead. Joel Rosewarn dominated the serves, serving Briercrest ahead 13-2. Briercrest continued to ward off Olds’ attacks, and retaliated even harder with their own, pushing onward. Jonah Johnson served an ace to close the set 25-13, Briercrest.
The third set saw all kinds of exciting, abnormal changes, mixing up the pace of Briercrest’s line up. Matthew Pauls took a turn at Libero, Mike Harrison set, Keaton Strom and Jason Wendel were a delight to watch although the fan highlight was watching Pablo Acuna hit for a change. Briercrest’s run for the third set was basically uninterrupted and fans went wild as Acuna got the final kill, Briercrest taking the set 25-15.
Players of the game were Olds’ Calvin Sawatzky with two aces, four digs and four kills and Briercrest’s Pablo Acuna with two blocks, five digs and one kill.
Briercrest outhit Olds in kills 29-18. Briercrest scored 12 aces while Olds had four. Digs were nearly equal and Briercrest shut down Olds with 17 solo blocks while Olds had four.
This concludes Briercrest’s 2013-2014 season and fans wait to see if Briercrest will host qualifiers next weekend February 14-15.