Weekend Preview: Northern showdowns ahead

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks are gearing up for their last weekend of competition before the winter break.

The basketball teams will play in front of a home crowd as they host a pair of northern teams – the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings tomorrow followed by the NAIT Ooks on Saturday.

The volleyball teams will finish the semester on the road as they take on the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings tomorrow and the NAIT Ooks Saturday.

All games can be watched live on ACACTV.

Basketball
WBB Kodiaks (4-4) vs UAA Vikings (7-0)

Friday, Nov. 28 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

WBB Kodiaks (4-4) vs NAIT Ooks (7-2)

Saturday, Nov. 29 | 2 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks women’s basketball team is wrapping up the fall semester with a battle as they take on two top northern teams. After a momentum-building 2–0 weekend at home, powered by defensive energy, strong guard play and clutch second-half execution, the Kodiaks are ready for another test.

Their last games against Lakeland and Keyano showcased the impact of Chase Wells-Creighton (second year, Exercise Science, Standoff), who continues to anchor the paint with tough finishes, blocks and steady mid-range shooting. Summer Long (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) set the tone in transition, sparking key runs with her speed and pressure at the rim, while Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) provided veteran steadiness by knocking down timely shots, creating scoring opportunities or closing games at the free-throw line. First-year standout Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) added another strong outing, showing poise with the ball and earning Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Player of the Game honours.

Tomorrow, the Kodiaks host the UAA Vikings, who sit third in the ACAC North and bring a physical, disciplined style. Lethbridge will look to establish pace early and lean on their downhill guards to create openings.

Saturday’s matchup is a showdown with the NAIT Ooks, currently ranked second in the North and one of the conference’s most defensively sound teams. A consistent four-quarter effort in rebounding, pressure and composure will be key if the Kodiaks want to close the semester strong.

Lethbridge aims to defend home court and keep their momentum rolling into the break.

MBB Kodiaks (5-3) vs UAA Vikings (2-5)

Friday, Nov. 28 | 8 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

MBB Kodiaks (5-3) vs NAIT Ooks (8-1)

Saturday, Nov. 29 | 4 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team gears up for one of their toughest home weekends yet, welcoming two of the ACAC North’s top contenders to Lethbridge. The Kodiaks are coming off a weekend that showcased both their resilience and their firepower, splitting games and proving they can hang with anyone in the conference.

Even in the narrow loss to Lakeland, Levi Balderson (second year, General Arts and Science, Welling) delivered a standout performance, earning ACAC Player of the Game after torching the Rustlers from deep and stepping into big moments at both ends. Nathaniel Hosannah (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) continued to be the engine of Lethbridge’s pace, attacking in transition, winning rebounds and sparking scoring runs. Rhett Lewis (third year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) added steady two-way minutes with timely finishes and defensive poise, while rising first-year guard Marley Kenion (first year, Child and Youth Care, Coventry, England) provided instant offence off the bench, contributing key shots throughout the weekend. In their win over Keyano, Jackson Wright (third year, Business Administration, Claresholm) took over, driving relentlessly, finishing through contact and earning Player of the Game honours as the Kodiaks exploded for 109 points.

Tomorrow, the Kodiaks face the UAA Vikings, who sit fourth in the ACAC North and bring size, physicality and a grind-it-out style. The matchup will demand composure from Lethbridge’s guards and toughness on the glass.

Saturday brings an even bigger test against the NAIT Ooks, who are first in the North Division and nationally ranked. NAIT’s defensive discipline and scoring depth make them a powerhouse, and the Kodiaks will need another assertive, full-team effort, clean execution, transition pressure and confidence from their lead playmakers.

With key contributors hitting their stride and belief growing, the Kodiaks look to defend home court and put a stamp on the semester’s final weekend.

Volleyball
WVB Kodiaks (1-6) at UAA Vikings (5-1)

Friday, Nov. 28 | 6 p.m.

WVB Kodiaks (1-6) at NAIT Ooks (6-1)

Saturday, Nov. 29 | 2 p.m.

With the semester winding down, the Kodiaks women’s volleyball team heads north for one of their toughest road trips of the season, taking on two of the ACAC North’s strongest programs. After showing stretches of promise in their matchup with Keyano, the group looks to build consistency and carry those bright moments into the upcoming weekend.

Jorja Hamilton (first year, General Arts and Science – Health Sciences, Meadow Lake, Sask.) continues to establish herself as a high-impact first-year attacker, leading the Kodiaks with seven kills and three aces while earning ACAC Player of the Game honours in their last match. Robyn Austin (second year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) provided steady offence on the outside and Olivia Wideman (first year, Interior Design Technology, Calgary) impressed with a .667 hitting percentage in her appearance, giving Lethbridge efficient scoring in key moments. Libero Quincy Price (third year, General Arts and Science, Coaldale) anchored the defensive effort with 13 digs, while veteran setter Reese Hanusich (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) kept the offence moving under pressure.

Tomorrow, the Kodiaks visit the UAA Vikings – currently ranked second in the North and known for their strong and disciplined defence. Establishing first-ball contact and staying aggressive at the net will be essential for Lethbridge.

Saturday brings a showdown with the NAIT Ooks, who sit first in the North Division and remain one of the most consistent, well-balanced teams in the ACAC. The Kodiaks will need poise, tough serving and production from their key attackers to challenge NAIT on their home floor.

With emerging contributors stepping up and the team continuing to grow, Lethbridge looks to make a statement on a demanding northern road swing.

MVB Kodiaks (6-1) at UAA Vikings (4-2)

Friday, Nov. 28 | 8 p.m.

MVB Kodiaks (6-1) at NAIT Ooks (4-3)

Saturday, Nov. 29 | 4 p.m.

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team heads north this weekend for a heavyweight road test against two of the ACAC North’s top programs. Lethbridge looks to rebound from their first loss of the season while proving they remain one of the conference’s most complete and dangerous groups.

Their last matches highlighted the Kodiaks’ balanced identity. Ben Dyck (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) continued to lead with his steady, high efficiency scoring that helped in powering the sweep over Lakeland and staying productive against Keyano’s elite block. Cameron Marshall (third year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Adelaide, South Australia) remained a major offensive force on the right side, posting back-to-back double-digit kill nights, while emerging first-year standout Corny Bergen (first year, Business Administration, Picture Butte) provided consistent firepower and earned ACAC Player of the Game recognition. Ben St. Pierre (fifth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) steered the attack with veteran poise, mixing tempo and location to keep hitters in rhythm, and Malcolm Fisher (fifth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) anchored the backcourt with reliable defensive reads that extended key rallies.

Tomorrow, the Kodiaks battle the UAA Vikings, who are currently third in the ACAC North and built around tempo pressure. Controlling first contact and staying efficient at the pins will be crucial on the road.

Saturday’s matchup brings the NAIT Ooks who are second in the North and known for their disciplined systems and late-set execution. The Kodiaks will need tough serving, patient defence and scoring from multiple weapons to challenge NAIT in their own gym.

With their depth and identity sharpening each weekend, Lethbridge enters this northern test ready to compete, respond and reaffirm their place among the ACAC’s best.