Weekend Recap: Strong performances across the board as Kodiaks wrap up fall cross-country

It was an exciting weekend for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks, marking the official end of the fall sports season.

The Kodiaks hosted a home-and-home series with the SAIT Trojans in both basketball and volleyball. The men's volleyball team dominated the weekend with back-to-back wins, while the women's squad battled hard but came up short in both matches.

On the court, the women's basketball team pulled off a thrilling upset in the second game to split their weekend series, while the men's team fell just short in both contests.

Rounding out the weekend, Kodiaks cross-country runners concluded their season at nationals in Prince Edward Island, posting strong personal performances to cap an impressive campaign.

Basketball

Nov. 7 WBB | Kodiaks 51 vs SAIT Trojans 66

The Kodiaks settled in after an early SAIT burst as Chase Wells Creighton (second year, Exercise Science, Standoff) tied the game at the line, Nyomi Heins (second year, Therapeutic Recreation, Diamond City) and Summer Long (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) attacked the rim, and Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) grabbed boards and drew fouls. Long beat the buzzer with a jumper to keep it close, but SAIT led 18 to 13 after the first quarter. In the second, Long finished in traffic, Wells Creighton knocked down a three and added free throws, and Power buried a corner three off Ava Michelson's (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) pass. Lethbridge edged the shot-making late, yet SAIT took the quarter 17 to 15 to make it 35 to 28 at halftime.

After the break, Wells Creighton kept Lethbridge moving with trips to the stripe and Long created downhill looks, then Heins drilled a three from a Long kick out. The push was not enough as the Trojans won the third with a 53–38 margin. The Kodiaks kept fighting in the fourth with a Wells Creighton and-one, Long slicing for layups, Heins hitting a jumper, and Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) scoring inside. The final score had SAIT in the lead with a 66–51 finish.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #9 Summer Long

Nov. 8 WBB | Kodiaks 61 at SAIT Trojans 58
A back-and-forth start saw the Kodiaks trade baskets early as Long attacked the lane for finishes, Heins converted inside, and Wells Creighton steadied things at both ends. Power added free throws and a strong drive, while Yar Biar (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) knocked down a three. Kaycee Tallman (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) contributed at the line and Z. Michelson worked the glass alongside Gianna Gammie (second year, General Arts and Science, Nanton). The balanced start helped the Kodiaks edge the opening frame 14–13, before outscoring SAIT in the second behind timely shooting and fast-break finishes to take a 29–23 lead at halftime.

After halftime, the Kodiaks continued to trade blows with the Trojans as Power drilled a corner three and Gammiematched her from deep to keep momentum on Lethbridge's side. Long created offence off the dribble, and Heinsknocked down a timely three late in the quarter to hold the edge as the teams split the frame 17–17, sending the game to the fourth with Lethbridge up 46–40. In the final stretch, Wells Creighton came up big at the line, and Power stayed poised in the closing seconds, sinking four free throws to secure the win. Though SAIT took the last quarter 18–15, the Kodiaks' composure and early lead held strong as they closed out a 61–58 victory on the road.

ACAC Player of the Game

LPK: #22 Chase Wells Creighton

Nov. 7 MBB | Kodiaks 71 vs SAIT Trojans 92
A slow start turned into a punch-for-punch first quarter for the Kodiaks, who steadied behind a surge from Levi Balderson (second year, General Arts and Science, Welling), who hit back-to back threes and scored again at the rim and Marley Kenion (first year, Child and Youth Care, Coventry, England), who finished strong inside. Cole Lake (fifth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) was active in the lanes with multiple steals and rebounds, while Kade Lund (second year, General Arts and Science, Barnwell) and Nathaniel Hosannah (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) added playmaking and free throws to level things at 18–18 after the first. In the second, the bench sparked a lead as Treydon Barton (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) opened with two free throws and later buried a triple, and Randall Mongard (first year, Open Studies, Laval, Que.) piled up points at the rim. A late push from SAIT gave them the quarter, making it 43–38 at halftime.

After the break, the Kodiaks kept hunting shots with Balderson drilling another three and West James (second year, Business Administration, Raymond) knocking one down from deep, while Zachary English (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) added a three-pointer and Rhett Lewis (third year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) scored twice inside. Despite the effort, SAIT controlled the tempo, taking the third quarter 69–51. The Kodiaks fought to the end as Hosannah caught fire with a jumper, a three and a dunk, Kenion added a layup, Lake hit late free throws and Balderson connected on another three. Memphis Gambler Yellow-Knee (first year, Open Studies, Leduc, Alta.) closed the night with a jumper and two free throws, as Lethbridge outscored SAIT late but fell short with a final score of 92–71.

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #10 Nathaniel Hosannah

Nov. 8 MBB | Kodiaks 53 at SAIT Trojans 89
A quick strike from Barton set the tone as he hit a jumper and added a free throw, Kenion powered to the rim, and Hosannah delivered a block and boards to steady the start. Balderson splashed a three, Lake answered from deep off English's feed and Lewis jumped a lane for a steal and layup before Lund beat the horn with a layup. Lethbridge took the opening quarter 20–15. The second quarter proved tough sledding despite a Barton midrange make and continued work on the glass from Hosannah. Turnovers and cold shooting swung momentum the other way as SAIT claimed the period, sending the game to halftime 40–24 in SAIT's favour.

Out of the break, the Kodiaks kept hunting shots. Balderson drilled a three off a Kenion assist, Lewis punched in points at the rim and at the line and Nolan Grindle (first year, Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Coalhurst) connected from midrange with English tacking on a free throw. SAIT, however, took the third with a 63–36 margin. The Kodiaks kept battling in the fourth as Lund piled up paint finishes and free throws, Barton added a layup and jumper, James and Lake moved the ball and Gambler Yellow-Knee supplied a block and a free throw. Lethbridge found more rhythm in the final quarter, but not enough to change the outcome as SAIT took the game 89–53.

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #11 Kade Lund 

Volleyball

Nov. 7 WVB | Kodiaks 1 at SAIT Trojans 3 (25-20, 19-25, 15-25, 13-25)

The Kodiaks women's volleyball team battled hard but ultimately fell 3–1 to the SAIT Trojans. Lethbridge came out strong in the opening set, powered by a balanced attack led by Robyn Austin (second year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) and Trinity Walton (second year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Warman, Sask.), who combined for 17 kills on efficient hitting. Olivia Wideman (first year, Interior Design Technology, Calgary) added key swings at the net, while setter Reese Hanusich (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) kept the offence flowing with 24 assists. Sofia Janzen (third year, Agriculture Sciences, Carseland, Alta.) contributed a pair of aces and steady serving as the Kodiaks controlled the pace to take the first frame.

Despite the strong start, the Trojans found their rhythm in the later sets, taking the second 25–19 before pulling away in the third and fourth (25–15, 25–13). Walton continued to swing efficiently with eight kills, while Austin led the team with nine total and added a solo block. Quincy Price (third year, General Arts and Science, Coaldale) anchored the backcourt with 18 digs, helping extend rallies and keep the defence organized. Janzen chipped in from both the service line and front row, finishing with three blocks and seven points overall. Though SAIT's momentum proved too much in the end.

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #3 Robyn Austin

Nov. 8 WVB | Kodiaks 0 vs SAIT Trojans 3 (14-25, 17-25, 16-25)

The Kodiaks women's volleyball team showed resilience throughout the match but fell in straight sets to the SAIT Trojans. Wideman led the Lethbridge attack with seven kills on .312 hitting, while Austin added six kills and an ace to keep the offence balanced. Walton contributed five kills and a solo block, and setter Hanusich directed the attack with 20 assists, spreading the ball across multiple options. Despite SAIT's strong defensive presence, the Kodiaks found offensive rhythm late in the second frame, hitting .167 as a team to keep the set tight before the Trojans pulled away.

Janzen added three kills and two block assists in a steady two-way performance, while Price anchored the backcourt with eight digs. Aylah Vanderwerff (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) sparked energy off the bench with two aces and a kill, and Alexis Davenport (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) added an ace of her own from the service line. Though the Trojans maintained control through all three sets, the Kodiaks' balanced offensive showing and improved consistency across the lineup provided encouraging signs as the team looks to regroup and build momentum heading into their next Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) matchup. 

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #17 Aylah Vanderwerff

Nov. 7 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at SAIT Trojans 0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-12)

The Kodiaks men's volleyball team delivered a dominant performance on the road, sweeping the SAIT Trojans in straight sets. Lethbridge came out firing in the opening frame, hitting .458 as a team behind strong finishes from Cameron Marshall (third year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Adelaide, South Australia) and Ben Dyck (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale). Corny Bergen (first year, Business Administration, Picture Butte) set the tone at the net with several quick kills and a near-perfect .769 efficiency, while setter Ben St. Pierre (fourth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) ran a balanced offence with 30 assists to keep SAIT guessing. The Kodiaks' consistency continued into the second set, as timely serving and disciplined blocking helped them edge out a close 25–23 win to go up two sets to none.

Lethbridge closed the match in style with one of their most efficient offensive sets of the season, hitting an outstanding .833 in the third. Bergen finished with a team-high 10 kills and an ace for 11 total points, while Dyck added nine kills at a .533 clip. Tristan Iwanczuk (first year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) provided a spark on the wing with four kills and an ace, and Oliver Billyard (first year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) contributed another from the service line. The Kodiaks' defence, anchored by Malcolm Fisher (fifth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), stayed sharp throughout, limiting SAIT's rhythm and extending rallies. With the sweep, Lethbridge improved their record while showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack and steady composure from start to finish.

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #17 Tristan Iwanczuk

Nov. 8 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at SAIT Trojans 1 (21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 25-14)

The Kodiaks men's volleyball team battled through a tight opening set before surging back to earn a 3–1 road victory over the SAIT Trojans. After dropping the first, Lethbridge found its rhythm behind Marshall, who led the offence with 11 kills on .500 hitting, and Dyck who was unstoppable from the left side with nine kills and five aces. SettersDavid Kindley (third year, Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Lethbridge) and St. Pierre split setting duties to pace the attack with 28 combined assists, helping the Kodiaks even the match in a thrilling second set.

Lethbridge carried that momentum forward, dominating offensively with team hitting percentages of .308 and .526 in the third and fourth sets. Bergen added eight kills and two aces, while Iwanczuk contributed seven kills and two blocks in a strong all-around effort. Karl Petker (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) was rock-solid in the middle with five kills, three aces, and a .556 efficiency and Fisher anchored the defence with eight digs. The Kodiaks' late surge proved decisive as they closed the match on a dominant 25–14 run, sealing the four-set win.

ACAC Player of the Game
LPK: #9 Ben Dyck

Cross-Country

Nov. 8 XC | CCAA Nationals hosted by Holland College, P.E.I.

The Kodiaks men's and women's cross-country teams represented Lethbridge Polytechnic and the ACAC on the big stage as they travelled to P.E.I to compete at Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Nationals. As a mixed result, the Kodiaks finished sixth overall with a combined total of 229 between the two teams. 

The women's team finished 11^th overall with Katrina Michel (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Okotoks) leading the way in 25^th place with a time of 25:39. 

Unofficial results:

• 25^th Katrina Michel 25:39
• 28^th Kate Block 25:54
• 59^th Hallee Pilling 27:30
• 61^st Livia Swift 27:36
• 62^nd Ally McDonald 27:37
• 83^rd Emma Anderson 31:39

 Unofficial results:

• 22^nd Ethan Grasmeyer 27:52
• 32^nd Conner Van Den Hoek 28:33
• 63^rd Jannis Boenn 30:58
• 67^th Wacey Smith 31:04
• 68^th Joshua Spencer 31:04
• 73^rd Zachary Hillier 32:08