Weekend Recap: Mixed results for Kodiaks 

Volleyball

Jan. 16 WVB | Kodiaks 0 vs AMB Lions 3 (14-25, 20-25, 20-25)

The Kodiaks battled on their home court but were unable to slow down a steady Ambrose attack, falling in straight sets. Lethbridge found it tough to establish offensive rhythm early and showed improvement as the match went on, particularly in the second set where the Kodiaks pushed the pace and closed the gap. Robyn Austin (second year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) led the offence with eight kills, while Jorja Hamilton (first year, General Arts and Science - Health Sciences, Meadow Lake, Sask.) matched her with eight points, contributing five kills and three service aces to keep pressure on the Lions from the service line. Emma Blumenschein (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove) was efficient at the net, recording five kills on a strong .375 hitting percentage, and Trinity Walton(second year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Warman, Sask.) and Sofia Janzen (third year, Agriculture Sciences, Carseland, Alta.) added timely finishes to help Lethbridge stay competitive.

Defensively, the Kodiaks worked to extend rallies and limit runs, with Hamilton and Austin each adding three digs and Janzen contributing a block to slow Ambrose at the net. Reese Hanusich (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) directed the offence with 17 assists, spreading the ball and helping Lethbridge find more balance as the match progressed, while Alexis Davenport (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) and Robyn Rivard (first year, Automotive Systems certificate, Lethbridge) provided energy in limited action. Although the result didn't swing their way, the Kodiaks showed growth across the match, tightening sets two and three and continuing to build cohesion.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #8 Jorja Hamilton

AMB: #4 Reanna Chmilar

Jan. 17 WVB | Kodiaks 0 at AMB Lions 3 (23–25, 16–25, 20–25)

The Kodiaks opened their road match with a strong push but ultimately fell in three sets to the Ambrose Lions. Lethbridge competed tightly in the opening set, trading points through long rallies and staying within striking distance late behind consistent wing play from Austin, who led the attack with nine kills. Blumenschein and Lauren Barker(fourth year, Architectural Animation Technology, Calgary) added efficiency at the net, while the Kodiaks' serve kept Ambrose from settling into long runs early. Despite the close start, Ambrose pulled away late in the first and carried the momentum into the second set.

In the third, the Kodiaks regrouped and showed improved balance on both sides of the ball. Austin continued to anchor the offence and added a service ace, while Hanusich directed the attack with 18 assists, spreading the ball across the front row. Defensively, Madison Yates (first year, General Arts and Science - Psychology and Sociology, Swift Current, Sask.) was a steady presence in the backcourt with 12 digs, and Hamilton contributed eight digs and a solo block to extend rallies. Although the result went against them, the Kodiaks showed resilience on the road, closing the match with their most competitive set and continuing to build consistency as conference play unfolds.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #3 Robyn Austin

AMB: #2 Taylor Hart

Jan. 16 MVB | Kodiaks 1 vs AMB Lions 3 (25-21, 21-25, 22-25, 22-25)

The Kodiaks opened the match strongly on their home court, taking the first set 25–21 behind an efficient and balanced attack. Cameron Marshall (third year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Adelaide, South Australia) set the tone early, finishing repeatedly on the right side and leading all players with 21 kills on the night, while Corny Bergen (first year, Business Administration, Picture Butte) provided a steady presence in the middle with timely finishes. Ben St. Pierre (fifth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) distributed the offence smoothly, recording 40 assists and keeping Ambrose off balance, and the Kodiaks carried that rhythm into the second set. Lethbridge stayed competitive in the frame with continued production from Marshall and Bergen and added pressure from the service line, but Ambrose responded late to even the match by taking the set 25–21. 

The third set saw another tightly contested battle, with the Kodiaks trading long rallies and maintaining efficiency at the net. Tristan Iwanczuk (first year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) was sharp when called upon, converting seven kills on just eight attempts, and Shaye Wall (fourth year, Bachelor of Ecosystem Management, Swift Current, Sask.) contributed with three service aces and strong backcourt defense to keep Lethbridge within reach. Despite the push, Ambrose edged the third 25–22 and carried the momentum into the fourth. Lethbridge continued to swing aggressively in the final set, getting additional kills from Bergen and solid blocking from Karl Petker (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale), but the visitors closed out the match with a late run to take the fourth 25–22, handing the Kodiaks a 3–1 loss despite a strong offensive showing.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #14 Corny Bergen

AMB: #16 Kade Miller

Jan. 17 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs AMB Lions 2 (25-17, 20-25, 25-21, 31-33, 15-12)

The Kodiaks delivered a resilient road performance, battling through five sets to earn a 3–2 win over Ambrose. Lethbridge set the tone early with balanced offence and steady ball control, taking the opening set behind strong finishes from Marshall, Ben Dyck (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) and Bergen. After Ambrose responded in the second, the Kodiaks regained momentum in the third as Bergen continued to be efficient in the middle and Dyckand Marshall provided consistent pressure from the pins. Setter Ben St. Pierre kept the offence flowing throughout, spreading 52 assists and allowing Lethbridge to stay aggressive despite momentum swings, while the Kodiaks edged a tight third set to move within one set of the match.

The fourth set turned into an extended battle, with both teams trading long rallies and side-outs before Ambrose narrowly took it 33–31, forcing a decisive fifth. Lethbridge responded with poise in the final frame, getting timely kills from Marshall, Dyck and Iwanczuk, who was highly efficient when called upon, and strong net presence from Bergen and Nicholas Billo (first year, General Arts and Science – Psychology and Sociology, St. Paul, Alta.) to control key points. Defensively, the Kodiaks extended rallies with backcourt effort from Malcolm Fisher (fifth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) to help seal the win. The Kodiaks closed out the fifth set 15–12, showcasing depth, composure and balance to complete the road victory.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #17 Tristan Iwanczuk

AMB: #8 Casey Needham 

Futsal

Jan. 17 WFUT | Kodiaks 2 vs MHC Rattlers 3

The Kodiaks showed fight and composure in a tightly contested match, answering an early Medicine Hat surge with a strong response in the opening half. After the Rattlers built an early lead, Lethbridge pushed back with two quick goals from Khloe Jankowiak (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) and Megan Morrison (fifth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Medicine Hat) to swing momentum and pull within one. The Kodiaks continued to generate pressure and quality chances, while Kiara Jankowiak came up with timely saves in goal to limit the damage and send Lethbridge into the break trailing 3–2.

In the second half, Medicine Hat regained the lead with a lone goal, but Lethbridge continued to press for an equalizer. Kiara Jankowiak (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) was steady in goal, turning aside 22 shots and keeping the Kodiaks within one as they pushed forward. Despite sustained pressure and stretches of possession in the attacking half, Lethbridge could not find the tying goal, and the Kodiaks fell 3–2. 

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #1 Kiara Jankowiak

MHC: #6 Charley Indzeoski 

Jan. 17 MFUT | Kodiaks 2 vs MHC Rattlers 3

The Kodiaks pushed hard in a fast-paced opening half but found themselves chasing after an early Medicine Hat surge, as the Rattlers scored two times in quick succession to take control. Lethbridge responded with urgency, getting on the board through Jordan Morello (fourth, year, Renewable Resource Management, Nelson, B.C.), who finished a pass from Ya-Sin Benbrik (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) to spark momentum before the end of the first half.

The Rattlers opened the second half with a goal to put some separation between the teams. The Kodiaks' offensive pressure increased by forcing play forward and tightening their defence. Tristan Martin (second year, General Arts and Science, Whitehorse, Yukon) anchored the back line in goal, turning aside a steady stream of shots (24 total saves) to keep Lethbridge within striking distance. The game continued to be back-and-forth until Cristobal Jac Pares (first year, Civil Engineering Technology, Nelson, B.C.) scored off a deflected shot from the Rattlers goalie to put the Kodiaks within one. The Kodiaks continued to generate pressure late, but the score held through the final whistle, resulting in a narrow 3–2 loss against the reigning 2025 conference champions.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #30 Tristan Martin

MHC: #9 Aleksa Bijelic 

Basketball

Jan. 16 WBB | Kodiaks 78 at AMB Lions 67

The Kodiaks set the tone early with activity on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and turning steals into momentum before settling in offensively. Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) opened the scoring with a three off a Nyomi Heins (second year, Therapeutic Recreation, Diamond City, Alta.) assist, and Summer Long (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) followed with a triple of her own as Lethbridge traded punches through a scrappy, stop-and-start first quarter. Chase Wells-Creighton (second year, Exercise Science, Standoff) helped swing the lead with finishes in the final minute capping a late surge that sent the Kodiaks into the break after one, up 20–16. In the second quarter, Wells-Creighton added two free throws and a block, Long knocked down another three, and Ava Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) delivered an and-one to keep the pressure on as the Kodiaks gradually built separation. Power added a pull-up jumper, while Long continued to generate points at the line, and Lethbridge carried a 35–28 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Kodiaks leaned into transition pressure and timely shooting to widen the gap. Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) scored early in the third, then Long caught fire, burying two threes and jumping passing lanes for steals that fueled a run. Paighton Kumson (third year, Correctional Studies, Edmonton) also went to work, adding a steal and a finish to push the lead into double digits. Gianna Gammie (second year, General Arts and Science, Nanton) chipped in at the stripe, Wells-Creighton finished inside, and Power drilled a three at the horn to punctuate a strong quarter as Lethbridge took a commanding 64–47 advantage into the fourth. The Kodiaks stayed in control down the stretch with Heins knocking down two more threes, Wells-Creighton continuing to score and get to the line, and Power adding key free throws late. Even as the pace got choppy with turnovers and rebounds on both ends, Lethbridge's early cushion held as the Kodiaks closed out a 78–67 win.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #13 Gaby Power

AMB: #7 Grace Meyer

Jan. 17 WBB | Kodiaks 67 vs AMB Lions 51

The Kodiaks came out sharp defensively at home, forcing early giveaways and turning them into points at the rim. Z. Michelson jumped passing lanes for a pair of first-quarter steals, while Long and Wells-Creighton cashed in with back-to-back layups to get Lethbridge rolling. Power added a finish off a steal, Wells-Creighton scored on a Kumsonfeed, and Kumson owned the glass with multiple offensive rebounds that led to two quick tip-ins as the Kodiaks built separation. Gammie and Kumson added free throws late in the frame, and Lethbridge took a 24–14 lead after one. In the second quarter, the Kodiaks kept the pressure on with more steals from Kumson, Heins and Yar Biar (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge), and Long continued to attack, finishing inside and cleaning up at the line, while Power and Wells-Creighton combined for another easy basket in transition. A. Michelson chipped in at the stripe, and Lethbridge went to halftime up 36–22.

Coming out of the break, Long sparked another push with a third-quarter three and followed with points at the line, as the Kodiaks stretched the lead further behind steady rebounding and stops. Wells-Creighton finished in the paint and set the table for teammates, while the Kodiaks' guards continued to disrupt passing lanes to keep Ambrose from stringing together a run. By the end of the third, Lethbridge had doubled up its advantage and led 52–26. In the fourth, the Kodiaks answered every bit of momentum with timely offense, Power hit a three, Long knocked down a three of her own off a Wells-Creighton setup, and the pair linked up again for another layup to maintain control. Even as the pace got choppy late, Long continued to produce at the rim and at the line, and the Kodiaks closed out a 67–51 win over Ambrose.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #9 Summer Long

AMB: #11 Juliana Hajduk

Jan. 16 MBB | Kodiaks 88 at AMB Lions 100

The Kodiaks stayed composed through a tightly contested opening quarter on the road, using balanced scoring and steady execution to keep the game close as Ambrose held a 28–24 lead after one. Kade Lund (second year, General Arts and Science, Barnwell) and Rhett Lewis (third year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) helped establish an early offensive presence, while Levi Balderson (second year, General Arts and Science, Welling) added a three and attacked the paint to answer Ambrose runs and prevent separation. In the second quarter, Lethbridge raised its defensive intensity and began to dictate the pace, with Nathaniel Hosannah (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) creating offense off steals and Jackson Wright (third year, Business Administration, Claresholm) finishing strong around the basket. Balderson continued to produce at the line and from the floor, and a late bucket from Randall Mongard (first year, Open Studies, Laval, Que.) capped a 32–24 quarter that sent the Kodiaks into halftime leading 56–52.

Out of the break, Lethbridge maintained control with composed play and timely answers on the offensive end. Mongardconverted on a second-chance look, Balderson and Wright again responded to Ambrose momentum with key finishes, and Hosannah added points at the stripe to help the Kodiaks take the third quarter 78–73 entering the final frame. In the fourth, Ambrose found success from the perimeter, but the Kodiaks continued to battle, with Balderson hitting a late three and Lewis and Wright competing on the glass. Despite the Kodiaks push, the Lions claimed the final quarter and finished the game up 100–88.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #7 Levi Balderson

AMB: #24 Edgerren Capuno

Jan. 17 MBB | Kodiaks 103 at AMB Lions 80

The Kodiaks set the tone early on their home floor with pace and shot-making, opening with a Wright finish off a Balderson assist and quickly finding a groove offensively. Balderson knocked down an early three and kept stretching the defence from deep, while Zachary English (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) made the most of his first collegiate career start by scoring at the rim, drawing contact for an and-one, and later burying a three to help Lethbridge build separation. Wright consistently cleaned up possessions with offensive rebounds and second chances, and the Kodiaks kept adding layers with Lewis finishing in transition and Hosannah drilling a three late in the quarter. Lethbridge took the first quarter 35–19 and carried that momentum into the second, continuing to generate extra possessions and convert in the paint. Hosannah scored off a steal, Balderson attacked for a layup, and Mongardprovided a lift with finishes in the lane and a steal leading to another basket as the Kodiaks extended the cushion. English stayed involved with another strong finish, and Lethbridge had the lead going into halftime 56–39.

Out of the break, the Kodiaks continued to answer every Ambrose push with timely execution, getting a steady blend of interior scoring and perimeter threats. Mongard opened the third with a layup on a Lund feed, Hosannah added a jumper and later finished off another takeaway, and Balderson picked up points at the line while forcing mistakes defensively. Lethbridge added two more threes from Mongard and English as the lead stayed comfortably in double digits, and the Kodiaks finished the third quarter ahead 80–62. In the final quarter, Lethbridge stayed in control by leaning on its veterans and rewarding hustle plays, with Mongard finishing inside, Hosannah scoring again and punctuating the night with a dunk, and Balderson drilling two more threes to keep the pressure on. English capped his career night with another basket early in the quarter. With a finishing layup from Avery Mackenzie (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) Lethbridge closed out a 103–80 win at home.

ACAC Player of the Game:

LPK: #4 Zachary English

AMB: #6 Paulo Cuesta