Down a set to lower-seeded opponents, both the Red River College men and Providence University College women had to call upon championship experience to fight back. Both did, and as a result were crowned champions at last weekend’s Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) Volleyball Final 4’s.

For the #1-seed Red River College men’s team, it was another five-set classic against the #2-seed University of Winnipeg College, who beat them in last year’s final. This time, though, the Rebels were up to the task in the fifth — getting five kills and a block from first-year left side Mitchell Hendry to win 15-12.

For the Rebels, it’s their fifth men’s volleyball title in six years.

The #1-seeded Providence women, meanwhile, went up against a strong #3-seed in Red River College, who had their home crowd behind them. Dropping the first set, the Lady Freemen rallied to take the next three, winning their third straight women’s volleyball title.

For their efforts throughout the weekend, Red River College setter Aaron Cyr and Providence University College power Chelsea Needham were named tournament Most Valuable Players.

All scores from Saturday’s finals are below. Click here for game stories from the two finals.

Women’s Championship – 2 p.m.
#1 Providence University College vs. #3 Red River College
#1 Providence University College wins 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-13)

Men’s Championship – 4 p.m.
#1 Red River College vs. #2 University of Winnipeg College
#1 Red River College wins 3-2 (22-25, 26-28, 25-12, 25-21, 15-12)

The 2012 Volleyball Final 4’s took place on February 22 and 23 at Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus. Click here for a full list of results.