Weekend Recap: Big wins on the court and strong strides on the track

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks keep trending up as they dive deeper into their seasons.

The Kodiaks basketball teams split their home-and-home series against the Medicine Hat Rattlers with the men’s team earning a championship spot with their win.

Each of the Kodiaks volleyball teams swept the Rattlers in their respective two-game series.

The indoor track team competed in its second Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) grand prix event where both men’s and women’s teams saw improved race times.

Basketball

Feb. 13 WBB | Kodiaks 61 vs MHC Rattlers 55

The Kodiaks worked through a choppy opening 10 minutes, weathering an early Medicine Hat push while generating looks off hustle plays and trips to the line. Summer Long (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) got the Kodiaks on the board with a free throw and kept possessions alive with rebounds, while Chase Wells-Creighton (second year, Exercise Science, Standoff) and Nyomi Heins (second year, Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology, Diamond City, Alta.) helped swing momentum with steals that led to points. Paighton Kumson (third year, Correctional Studies, Edmonton) knocked down a key three and Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) answered later with a triple of her own, but the Rattlers hit timely shots to keep the edge, taking the lead in the first quarter 17-12. The Kodiaks found their rhythm in the second quarter and flipped the game with a steady run built on second-chance opportunities and improved pace in transition. Wells-Creighton attacked the rim for multiple baskets, with Power setting her up on one of the finishes, and Long continued to pressure the paint. The Kodiaks’ defense forced empty possessions to go into the break ahead 28-21.

The Kodiaks kept their foot on the gas coming out of halftime and extended the margin with interior touches and grit plays on both ends. Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling, Alta.) opened the scoring with a jumper and Long anchored key defensive moments, including a block, while also converting around the basket to keep growing the lead. Wells-Creighton continued to generate pressure with drives and offensive rebounds that turned into points, helping Lethbridge control the quarter and lead 40-28 after three. The Kodiaks answered every Rattlers push with timely execution, leaning on energy plays and perimeter shooting to close it out. Long hit a pair of clutch threes and added a steal in the open floor, while Gianna Gammie (second year, General Arts and Science, Nanton) sparked the offense with a three and later, a finish, to keep the Kodiaks in front. Wells-Creighton sealed it at the line and then with a late basket in the final half-minute as the Kodiaks protected the lead to the horn, winning 61-55.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #13 Gaby Power

Feb. 14 WBB | Kodiaks 57 at MHC Rattlers 69

The Kodiaks got an early lift on the road from Wells-Creighton but Lethbridge couldn’t fully settle into rhythm as turnovers and tough possessions piled up. Yar Biar (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) earned a trip to the line to break through, and the Kodiaks mixed in points at the stripe from Kumson, Z. Michelson, Heins, Power and Long to stay within striking distance. Still, Medicine Hat’s run of makes and extra looks created separation heading into the second quarter as the Rattlers led 21-14. Lethbridge answered in the second with its best offensive stretch of the half, sparked by Long drilling back-to-back threes to cut the gap and bring the Kodiaks’ bench to life. Wells-Creighton kept attacking with scores in the lane and two late free throws, while Z. Michelson added a pair of makes to steady the comeback push. The Kodiaks made it a one-possession game at times, but a late three at the horn swung momentum back to the home side as the Rattlers went up 42-35 at halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Kodiaks continued to chip away at the score with tough defense and timely scoring from Z. Michelson, who got to the line and hit another jumper to keep the pressure on. Kumson provided a spark with steals and free throws, and Wells-Creighton made key plays on both ends as Lethbridge made its push. The Kodiaks won stretches of the quarter, but still trailed 53-50 heading to the fourth. In the final 10 minutes, Lethbridge briefly pulled within two when Heins knocked down a huge three off a Kumson assist, but the Kodiaks couldn’t get over the hump as Medicine Hat’s timely perimeter shots and late-game possessions stretched the margin. Long battled at the free-throw line to keep the deficit manageable and the Kodiaks generated chances with hustle rebounds, yet the Rattlers’ late scoring run sealed a 69-57 win.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #23 Wells-Creighton

Feb. 13 MBB | Kodiaks 93 vs MHC Rattlers 84

The Kodiaks traded punches early and finished the opening quarter with momentum thanks to balanced scoring and some timely stops. Levi Balderson (second year, General Arts and Science, Welling, Alta.) got Lethbridge going with a layup off a Jackson Wright (third year, Business Administration, Claresholm) assist and Rhett Lewis (third year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) added a pair of jumpers to keep the Kodiaks within reach. After Randall Mongard (first year, Open Studies, Laval, Que.) cashed in at the line and Nathaniel Hosannah (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) battled for points on second-chance free throws, the Kodiaks turned defense into offense with steals from Balderson and Mongard, then capped the quarter with a strong finish as Balderson scored twice in the final 35 seconds that pushed the Kodiaks ahead 28-26 after the opening quarter. Lethbridge held their control in the second quarter by forcing turnovers and pushing the lead into double digits with efficient half-court execution. Marley Kenion (first year, Child and Youth Care, Coventry, England) ignited the stretch with a steal and later finished in transition, while Kade Lund (second year, General Arts and Science, Barnwell, Alta.) converted inside as the Kodiaks’ pressure created extra possessions. The Kodiaks consistently answered all the Rattlers attempts and went into half with a 55-41 lead.

The Kodiaks stayed steady coming out of the break, leaning on paint touches and timely perimeter scoring to keep the Rattlers at arm’s length. Kenion opened the half with a quick bucket and added another later in the quarter, while Wright finished through contact and West James (second year, Plumber Apprenticeship, Raymond) buried a three to maintain the cushion. Even as Medicine Hat found a few answers, Lethbridge continued to get contributions across the lineup and held the 76-58 advantage heading to the fourth. The Kodiaks managed the lead with composure, making enough plays on both ends to close out a high-scoring win. Lewis sparked a couple of key possessions with steals, while Mongard buried a late three and added a finish inside to blunt any late push. The Kodiaks continued to cash in at the line and sealed the win 93-84.

With this win, the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks clinched a spot at the 2025-26 ACAC men’s basketball championship March 5-7, hosted by the Lakeland College Rustlers.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #8 Marley Kenion

Feb. 14 MBB | Kodiaks 73 at MHC Rattlers 75

The Kodiaks started the road game in Medicine Hat with solid defensive activity early, including a quick block and rebound from Balderson. Offensively, Lethbridge settled in after the first few possessions, with Wright scoring the first Kodiaks basket and Mongard adding points to keep it tight. Hosannah gave the Kodiaks a spark with a made three, and Lewis helped on the glass and in transition as the quarter progressed. Despite that push, Lethbridge trailed 21-12 after the first. The Kodiaks tried to chip away with trips to the line and energy plays. Hosannah scored at the stripe, Kenion provided a boost with a jumper plus free throws, and Mongard added more points at the line to keep the offense moving. Even with those contributions, the Kodiaks went into halftime still chasing 39-33.

The third quarter was the Kodiaks’ strongest stretch offensively. Lewis knocked down a big three, Hosannah scored repeatedly and Mongard hit key shots as the Kodiaks cut into the lead and made it a one-possession game late in the quarter. Balderson continued to impact the game as a rebounder and playmaker during the run. The Kodiaks entered the fourth within striking distance, 59-56. Lethbridge stayed right there but couldn’t fully flip the result. Wright delivered a big bucket during the comeback attempt, and the Kodiaks continued to get scoring contributions from Balderson, Lewis, and Mongard as they traded possessions in the final minutes. The game tightened late, but a couple of empty trips and free throws at the other end made the difference, and the Kodiaks came up just short finishing the game 75-73.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #12 Rhett Lewis

Volleyball

Feb. 13 WVB | Kodiaks 3 at MHC Rattlers 2 (18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9)

The Kodiaks women’s volleyball team showed resilience on the road Saturday night, bouncing back after a slow start to earn a five-set victory over the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. The Kodiaks dropped the opening set 25–18 but responded with composure in the second, tightening up defensively and executing late to secure a 25–23 win. That momentum carried into the third, where Lethbridge once again controlled key rallies and edged out another 25–23 set to take the lead. Medicine Hat forced a deciding fifth with a narrow 25–23 fourth-set win, but the Kodiaks regrouped quickly, building an early cushion in the final frame and closing things out confidently with a 15–9 win to cap the comeback.

The Kodiaks were led offensively by Robyn Austin (second year, Business Administration, Lethbridge), who delivered 19 kills along with 13 digs and two solo blocks in a dominant all-around performance. Emma Blumenschein (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) added nine kills and an ace, while Robyn Rivard (first year, Automotive Systems certificate, Calgary) contributed six kills and nine digs. In the front row Kourtney Serfas (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin, Alta.), Sofia Janzen (third year, Agriculture Sciences, Carseland, Alta.) and Lauren Barker (fourth year, Architectural Animation Technology, Calgary) provided efficient scoring and combined for five blocks to help control the net. Reese Hanusich (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) directed the attack with 30 assists and added 12 digs, keeping the offence balanced across five sets. Defensively, Madison Yates (first year, General Arts and Science - Psychology and Sociology, Swift Current, Sask.) anchored the back row with 19 digs and Jorja Hamilton (first year, General Arts and Science - Health Sciences, Meadow Lake, Sask.) chipped in eight digs and two blocks as Lethbridge finished with 76 team digs and 13 total blocks in the road victory.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #12 Emma Blumenschein

Feb. 14 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs MHC Rattlers 0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14)

The Kodiaks returned home Saturday night and delivered a commanding straight-sets victory over the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. The Kodiaks established control early in the opening set, using strong attacking efficiency and steady serve pressure to secure a 25–19 win. That momentum carried seamlessly into the second, where Lethbridge tightened up defensively and capitalized on extended rallies to pull away decisively, 25–13. With confidence building, the Kodiaks maintained their pace in the third, limiting errors and dictating play from the service line to close out the match 25–14 and complete the weekend sweep.

The Kodiaks were led offensively by Austin with nine kills and two service aces, while Blumenschein added seven kills on an efficient .500 hitting percentage along with a block. Hamilton contributed eight kills and 10 digs in a strong two-way effort, and Rivard chipped in four kills and an ace. In the middle, Janzen recorded three kills and two blocks, while Hanusich directed the offence with 24 assists and added two blocks. Defensively, Yates anchored the back row with 10 digs as Lethbridge finished the match hitting .316 as a team and totaled seven aces in the straight-sets win.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #13 Reese Hanusich

Feb. 13 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at MHC Rattlers 0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-23)

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team opened the weekend on the road with a dominant straight-sets victory over the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. The Kodiaks controlled the tempo from the outset, using efficient attacking and steady serve pressure to take the opening set 25–20. That momentum carried into the second, where Lethbridge continued to dictate play offensively and limited extended scoring runs to secure another 25–20 win. Medicine Hat pushed back in a tighter third set, but the Kodiaks remained composed late, closing out key rallies to earn a 25–23 victory and complete the sweep.

The Kodiaks were exceptionally efficient offensively, hitting at a perfect 1.000 percentage as a team. Ben Dyck (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) led the way with 13 kills and five service aces, adding 10 digs in a strong all-around performance. Corny Bergen (first year, Business Administration, Picture Butte) followed with 11 kills and an ace, while Cameron Marshall (third year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Adelaide, South Australia) added nine kills and five digs. Karl Petker (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) contributed five kills and a service ace, and Tristan Iwanczuk (first year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) made his presence felt at the net with three solo blocks. Running the offence, Ben St. Pierre (fifth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) recorded 34 assists along with six digs and two blocks as Lethbridge finished with 39 kills and eight total aces in the road win.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #8 Ben Dyck

Feb. 14 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs MHC Rattlers 1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23)

The Kodiaks returned home Saturday night and secured a 3–1 victory over the Medicine Hat College Rattlers. The Kodiaks came out strong in the opening set, attacking efficiently and controlling the pace in a 25–17 win. Medicine Hat answered in the second, capitalizing on a few extended rallies to even the match with a 25–22 decision. Lethbridge responded well in the third, tightening up defensively and finding rhythm in transition to take the set 25–19. The fourth was tightly contested throughout, but the Kodiaks stayed composed late, executing in key moments to close out a 25–23 win and complete the weekend sweep.

The Kodiaks were led offensively by Marshall, who delivered a dominant 20-kill performance while adding 10 digs and two blocks. Bergen contributed seven kills and four service aces, while Petker added six kills on an efficient .429 hitting percentage. Iwanczuk chipped in six kills and two blocks at the net and Shaye Wall (fourth year, Bachelor of Ecosystem Management, Lac Pelletier, Sask.) provided six kills and two aces. Running the offence, David Kindley (third year, Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Lethbridge) recorded 35 assists and five digs, with Nate Callihoo (third year, Agricultural Sciences – Agronomy, Barrhead, Alta.) adding 10 assists and a service ace. Defensively, Malcolm Fisher (fifth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) anchored the back row with 11 digs as the Kodiaks totaled 51 kills and 10 aces in the four-set home victory.

ACAC Player of the Game:
LPK: #17 Tristan Iwanczuk

Indoor Track

Feb. 14 IT | Grand Prix #2 hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic

The Kodiaks indoor track team continued their strong start to the 2026 season at the second ACAC Running Room Grand Prix, competing against eight other conference schools in Red Deer. Facing a deep field from across the ACAC, Lethbridge student-athletes delivered podium finishes, personal improvements and another dominant showing in the relay events. With each meet, the Kodiaks continue to build consistency and sharpen race execution as the championship portion of the season approaches.

On the men’s side, Ethan Grasmeyer (third year, Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science, Smithers, B.C.) led the charge with a first-place finish in the 3000 metre, crossing the line in 9:39:51 to claim top spot against a competitive field. Shaun Geusebroek (second year, Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship, Lethbridge) earned a podium result in the 1500 metre, finishing third overall in 4:28.86, while Zach Hillier (first year, Engineering Design Technology, Lethbridge) posted an improved performance in the 600 metre, placing sixth overall in 1:28.55 as he continues to trend upward this season.

The Kodiaks women once again set the standard in the relay events, finishing first overall in both races. The 4x200 metre team clocked 1:52.09, and the 4x400 metre squad followed with a winning time of 4:17.39 to complete the sweep. Individually, Khloe Jankowiak (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) captured first place in the 1500 metre with a time of 5:12.47. In the 600 metre, Katrina Michel (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Okotoks) finished third overall in 1:40.80, with Kate Block (third year, Business Administration – Management, Waldheim, Sask.) close behind in 1:43.68 as Lethbridge showcased its depth in the middle-distance events.