Weekend Recap: Kodiaks celebrate sweeps and new records

Jan. 30, 2024 – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks racked up a host of wins and new records last weekend, including a double-overtime victory for the men’s basketball team Saturday night that shattered the old ACAC record for most combined points in a game, tallying up 261 total points and beating the previous record of 237.

On Friday, the basketball teams headed north to face the Olds College Broncos while the volleyball teams took on the Broncos at home in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. All four Kodiak teams finished the weekend 8-0.

The indoor track teams got their start on the season in Edmonton at the Kinsmen Sport Centre hosted by Concordia with many wins and new personal bests. The men’s team finished the weekend in first place while the women’s team finished in second.

Volleyball

Jan. 26 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Olds College Broncos 0

In the opening set, the Kodiaks quickly asserted their dominance, securing the first point and establishing a lead from that point that they maintained throughout the set. Aideena Wickstrom (fourth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) led the charge with three kills and one dig to help the Kodiaks win the first set 25-15.

The Kodiaks got off to a strong start in the second set, amassing a five-point lead. The Broncos called a timeout to regroup and despite momentarily surpassing the Kodiaks, Reese Hanusich (second year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) answered back. Hanusich led the Kodiaks with 10 crucial assists in the second set to help the team to a 25-15 win in the second.

The Broncos started the third set determined to extend the match and initially seized the lead. However, the Kodiaks caught up and eventually surpassed the Broncos. The score was neck and neck for a period, with the Kodiaks eager to win the game and the Broncos eager to push for a fourth set. With the intensity in the gym high, the Kodiaks secured the victory 25-22 for their first win of 2024.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #13 Kalyna Bahler

Kodiaks: #8 Shane Fowlie (third year, General Arts and Science, Medicine Hat)

Jan. 27 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Olds College Broncos 2

In the opening set, the Broncos started off strong, eager to stage a comeback from the night before. They took the lead early, but the Kodiaks quickly countered back, levelling the score. After a close fought battle, the Broncos took the first set 25-21. Wickstrom contributed two digs and two kills in set one.

Set two saw the Kodiaks taking command early on and maintaining their lead throughout. The Broncos fought back to tie the score, but the Kodiaks once again pulled ahead. Abby Sauder (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Swift Current) contributed five digs and three kills in the Kodiaks’ 25-22 second set win.

The Kodiaks grabbed an early lead in the third set, and the Broncos stayed closed behind in the tight contest and at one point surged ahead. However, after the Kodiaks called a late timeout, they won the third set 26-24.  

In the fourth set, the Broncos took an early lead. Reanna Gage (first year, Exercise Science, Hamiota, Man.) made some key contributions with two digs. But the Broncos’ offence was too explosive, and the visitors won 25-18 in the fourth.

The decisive fifth set saw the Kodiaks start strong and take the lead, but the Broncos stayed close behind. As the Kodiaks’ lead increased, the Broncos called a strategic timeout. However, the Kodiaks continued to hold their advantage, opening the point gap and winning the set 15-10.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #14 Isabel Crashley

Kodiaks: #6 Aideena Wickstrom

Jan. 26 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Olds College Broncos 1

In the opening set, the Broncos took an early lead, but the Kodiaks swiftly managed to close the gap. The set remained closely contested, with the Kodiaks maintaining a slight lead. Paul Dionne (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Weyburn, Sask.) contributed with three digs and three kills in the Kodiaks’ 25-17 first set 25-17 win.

In the closely-fought second set, the Kodiaks led for most of the set but the Broncos gradually closed the gap. Tyler Chernishenko (fourth year, Business Administration, Edmonton) showcased his defensive prowess with four digs. As the set progressed, the score became tied as each team went point for point. The Kodiaks called a timeout to regroup, but in the end, the Broncos won the set 25-22.

In the third set, the Broncos gained an early lead, but the Kodiaks were able to tie the score. Kohlbe Anderson (first year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.) contributed three kills in the set. As the set continued, Kodiaks gained momentum and overtook the Broncos, and leading the visitors to call a timeout. The Kodiaks won the third set 25-21.  

The Kodiaks started with a slight lead in the fourth set, but the Broncos remained in close pursuit. The set remained close, with both teams exchanging powerful plays. However, the Kodiaks displayed resilience and secured critical points, winning the set 25-20, sealing the game with a score of 3-1.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #11 Strahinja Lazarevic

Kodiaks: #8 Shaye Wall

Jan. 27 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Olds College Broncos 1

The first set saw the Kodiaks quickly establishing their home court dominance by claiming an early lead. Despite the Broncos efforts, the Kodiaks maintained control of the game thanks largely in part to Chernishenko’s four digs. While the Broncos briefly tied the game up, the Kodiaks quickly regained control, widened the point gap and secured a 25-16 win.

The Broncos seized control early in the second set, effectively keeping the Kodiaks at bay. Despite the Kodiaks efforts to level the score, the Broncos offence was deemed too strong. Although Anderson made notable contributions on the offensive and defensive ends, the Broncos maintained their grip on the game, winning the set 25-19.

Set three witnessed a resurgence from the Kodiaks, as they regained control with powerful plays that led to a Broncos timeout. Despite the Broncos’ best efforts, the Kodiaks, led by Wall with three digs, remained in command and finished the set 25-19.

In the fourth set, the Kodiaks quickly surged ahead, putting the first four points on the board, leading to a Bronco timeout. Despite the Broncos efforts to regain momentum, the Kodiaks held firm, maintaining their dominance throughout the set and winning it 25-16, thus clinching the game with a score of 3-1.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #12 Sean Vanderzee

Kodiaks: #14 Nolan Moes

Basketball

Jan. 26 WBB | Kodiaks 83 vs Olds College Broncos 45

The Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s basketball team started their weekend off with an 83-45 victory against the Olds College Broncos at the Ralph Klein Centre Friday.

The first quarter saw the Kodiaks get an early lead, with Hannah Helton (fifth year, Exercise Science, Okotoks) getting the first points of the game. The Broncos fought back and eventually tied and surpassed the Kodiaks’ lead. The game was neck and neck for most of the first quarter with both teams trading baskets. With 26 seconds left in the first, the Kodiaks were down two, but thanks to a layup from Madison Barfuss (second year, Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology, Hill Spring), the Kodiaks ended the first quarter tied 16-16.

The second quarter started slow until the Kodiaks went on an 11-0 run. Tylee Perry (second year, Business Administration, Cardston) led the Kodiaks with seven points in the second quarter while Barfuss led with five rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Kodiaks went into the half up 31-20.

The third quarter started with a Bronco basket, followed by a Kodiak basket and a Bronco timeout. Despite the Broncos best efforts, the Kodiaks began to further the lead. Gaby Power (second year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) provided the Kodiaks with a beautiful three-point shot, while Courtney Deemter (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary) gave the Kodiaks three rebounds and three assists in a 30-18 third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the Kodiaks were up 61-38.

In the fourth quarter, the Kodiaks came out ready to finish the game off strong. Helton and Gabby Graves (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Raymond) led with four rebounds apiece in the fourth quarter, helping the team to a 83-45 victory over the Broncos.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #9 Sharlese Weigum

Kodiaks: #4 Madison Barfuss

Jan. 27 WBB | Kodiaks 83 vs Olds College Broncos 38

The Kodiaks women’s basketball team take an early lead against the Broncos Saturday afternoon, and they never look back. The first quarter saw Helton lead with six points while Power came off the bench for one rebound, one assist, one steal and three points. The Kodiaks finished the first up 21-9.

The second quarter saw the Kodiaks off with a strong start, going on a run thanks to five points from Perry and three rebounds from Barfuss. The Kodiaks continued the pressure throughout the quarter, going on a 16-9 run, leading them to a 37-18 lead at the half.

The Kodiaks continued showing their offensive prowess through the third quarter with 10 points from Helton and five rebounds from Annah Westrop (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge). After a series of defensive stops that created turnovers for the Broncos, the Kodiaks finished the third quarter up 57–27.

In the fourth quarter, the Kodiaks got an early jump. Emily Hall (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) and Graves led the charge with six points while Power, Graves and Brooklyn Hardy (first year, Practical Nurse, Cardston) cleaned up the boards with three rebounds each. The Kodiaks won the game 83-38

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #12 Meghan Swartz

Kodiaks: #13 Gaby Power

Jan. 26 MBB | Kodiaks 115 vs Olds College Broncos 90

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team and the Olds Broncos started Friday night’s game in a exchange of three-point shots. The Kodiaks quickly took a 20-10 lead halfway through the first quarter and thanks to the sharp shooting from Mason Hoffman (second year, General Arts and Science, Magrath), who racked up 11 first quarter points – including shooting a perfect three for three from the three-point line. The Kodiaks finished the first quarter up 30-23.

The second quarter saw the Broncos ready to fight back and defend their home court, but the start of the second quarter was slow after a series of missed shots from both teams. Eventually, Filip Karanovic (third year, General Arts and Science, Herceg Novic, Montenegro) ended the scoring drought with two made free throws to add to his seven points for the quarter. Mike Olsen (first year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) brought a spark off the bench with four points, taking the Kodiaks to a 50-49 lead at the half.

The Kodiaks began to separate themselves in the third quarter with a series of defensive stops and capitalization on Bronco errors. Karanovic led the charge with an impressive 17 third quarter points, including going three for three from the three-point line. Seth Tomasson (first year, General Arts and Science, Nanaimo, B.C.) provided the Kodiaks with three rebounds, three assists and six points in the third quarter to help the Kodiaks to an 84-76 lead.

In a high-scoring fourth quarter, the Kodiaks widened the gap, outscoring the Broncos 31-14. Dray Walburger (first year, Business Administration, Magrath) put up an impressive 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. Karanovic added three rebounds, three assists and two steals while Ty Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) chipped in six fourth-quarter points in a 115-90 win over the Broncos.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #13 Aidan Walsh

Kodiaks: #7 Filip Karanovic

Jan. 27 MBB | Kodiaks 135 vs Olds College Broncos 126

Kodiaks and Broncos fan witness an exciting, record-breaking, double overtime game Saturday afternoon at the Ralph Klein Centre.

The first quarter saw the Broncos take an early 4-0 lead but the Kodiaks did not take long to catch up. Walburger led the Kodiaks with 10 first quarter points while Declan Peterson (second year, Business Administration, Bentley, Alta.) cleaned up the glass with six rebounds. The Kodiaks finished the hard-fought first quarter up 29-18.

Lewis led the Kodiaks with an impressive 11 points in the second quarter, while Hoffman chipped in seven and Walburger made important plays with five assists. The Broncos’ high energy kept them within striking distance throughout, as the Kodiaks only outscored their opponent 27-26, leading them to a 56-42 lead at the half.

The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets, allowing the Kodiaks to maintain their lead. After a 20-12 third quarter run for the Kodiaks, the Broncos called a timeout to regroup. The Bronco defence was unable to slow down Walburger as he chipped in 13 points in the third while Peterson added five boards and four assists. After a high energy quarter, the Kodiaks went into the fourth up 85-75.

The Broncos came out ready to battle for the final quarter and were able to close in on the gap created by the strong Kodiaks offence. A late fourth quarter push kept the Broncos within striking distance as they eventually tied up the game 109-109 with 22 seconds left. Karanovic led his team with 14 points as both Peterson and Lewis fouled out. A late Kodiak turnover followed by a missed Bronco basket at the buzzer left the game tied 109-109 after regulation.

In the first overtime, both teams came out on fire, with the Kodiaks shooting 55 per cent from the field. Hoffman and Walburger chipped in five a piece while Karanovic had four. After both teams scored 14 overtime points, the score was tied 123-123 and the game headed into a second overtime.

The second overtime saw the Kodiaks take charge instantly and go on a 12-3 run led by Karanovic with six points, three rebounds and one assist. Tomasson contributed in big ways with three rebounds and one big block and steal in the second overtime. At the end of the very long game, the Kodiaks celebrated a 135-126 victory and a new ACAC record for most combined points in a game.

Players of the Game:

Broncos: #5 Alonzo Tan

Kodiaks: #4 Seth Tomasson

Indoor Track

Jan. 26 WIT

The Kodiak women’s indoor track team had a strong start in the first meet of the season, finishing second overall.

Ta’merra Hart (first year, Academic Upgrading, Hannah, Alta.) showcased her talents with a sixth-place finish in the 300m dash and a fourth-place finish in the 60m dash. The women’s 4x200m relay, led by Hart, secured a strong second-place finish with a time of 4:47.91.

Katrina Michel (first year, Practical Nurse, Okotoks) secured second place in the 600m event with a time of 1:49.16. Kate Block (first year, Exercise Science, Waldheim, Sask.) placed third in the 1500m with a time of 5:38.65, showing great potential for the rest of the season.

After the first event, the unofficial standings on the women’s side have Red Deer Queens in first with 83 points, the Kodiaks in second with 44 points, and St. Mary’s University in third with 36 points.

Jan. 26 MIT

Owen Stewart (first year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) emerged as a standout middle-distance athlete at the first meet of the season, winning the 600m and narrowly missing a school record with a time of 1:23.94.

In the 3000m, Ethan Lizotte (first year, Business Administration, Neepawa, Man.), Justin Fisher (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Claresholm) and Kaysan Mohamed (first year, General Studies, Picture Butte) made strong season debuts, tactically working together to secure the fifth, six and seventh place finishes.

In the 1500m event, Fisher finished sixth, while Gunnar Gibb (second year, Exercise Science, Cardston) showed his dominance for the sport by winning the 300m and securing second in the 60m dash with a time of 6.22 seconds.

The men’s 4x200m relay, featuring Lizotte and Jonah Henning (first year, Correctional Studies, Blackfalds, Alta.), secured a winning start for the season with a time of 1:37.82.

Para-athlete Hunter Graves (first year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) made history as Lethbridge College’s first wheelchair racer, achieving a personal best of 1:16 in the 300m event, a remarkable improvement of seven seconds off his previous personal record.

In the men’s standing, the Kodiaks hold the top spot with 84 points, with the Red Deer Kings in second with 52 points and the SAIT Trojans in third with 48 points.