Weekend Recap: Kodiaks split results in tense doubleheader

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks kicked off the first weekend of play in the new year with a tough battle against the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens.

Women’s basketball

Jan. 10 WBB | Kodiaks 49 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens 41

The game began with a slow, defensive pace as both teams tried to establish rhythm. Lethbridge struggled to find offensive flow, while Red Deer capitalized on a few fast breaks and turnovers. Despite the tight defense, both sides exchanged baskets in the early minutes with the Queens’ aggressive transition play giving them a slight edge. By the end of the first quarter, Red Deer held a narrow 14-7 lead. In the second quarter, the Kodiaks worked hard to stay competitive, despite a challenging start. Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) and Summer James (third year, Exercise Science, Mountainview, Alta.) were active on both ends, contributing several rebounds and defensive plays. The Kodiaks’ defensive resilience kept the game close, setting up a strong push for the second half with the score at 19-16 for the Queens. 

The Kodiaks carried their momentum into the third quarter with strong defensive play, including key steals by Gaby Power (fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary). Despite a back-and-forth battle, the Kodiaks continued to push ahead and Halle Aleman’s (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) offensive efforts helped the Kodiaks get and maintain the lead, making it 30-27 at the end of the quarter. The Kodiaks were able to keep the pressure on with a balanced offensive and defensive effort. Blackmore opened the quarter with a three-pointer, followed by a layup from Layla Vaz (first year, Open Studies, Raymond). Despite a late rally from Red Deer, the Kodiaks held firm and sealed the victory 49-41.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #10 Halle Aleman

RDP: #8 Jayden Demchuk

Jan. 11 WBB | Kodiaks 42 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens 60

The Kodiaks battled through a tight first quarter, exchanging leads with the Queens throughout. Despite a strong defensive effort and solid rebounding from Blackmore and Aleman, the Kodiaks faced a series of turnovers and missed opportunities that allowed Red Deer to regain a slight advantage. At the end of the first quarter, Red Deer pushed ahead with a last-minute jump-shot making it 17-15. The close contest continued into the second quarter. Lethbridge managed to capitalize on key steals and solid defensive rebounds from players like Nyla Butler (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge). Despite several missed shots, the Kodiaks’ defensive effort kept them in the game but the quarter ended with Lethbridge still trailing 26-23.

In the third quarter, the Kodiaks struggled to gain momentum as Red Deer extended their lead. Despite Blackmore’s strong rebounding efforts and a few steals from James, the Kodiaks were plagued by turnovers and missed shots. As Red Deer built their lead, the Kodiaks couldn’t break through, and the quarter ended with the Kodiaks down 51-30. In the final quarter, Red Deer maintained control, extending their lead despite a determined effort by Lethbridge. Red Deer’s defence remained solid, blocking shots and creating turnovers. The lead continued to grow, with the score reaching 60-42 by the final buzzer.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #12 Nyla Butler

RDP: #11 Rachel Harvey

Men’s basketball

Jan. 10 MBB | Kodiaks 92 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Kings 91 

The Kodiaks had a strong start to the game as Jackson Wright (second year, Business Administration, Claresholm) got the scoring underway for Lethbridge. Despite some turnovers and missed opportunities, the Kodiaks kept the game close with their defensive efforts. A last-minute layup from Cody Tollestrup (second year, General Arts and Science, Magrath) at the end of the first brought the Kodiaks to within one point of the Kings at 28-27. In the second quarter, Red Deer got out to a quick start and increased their lead. The Kodiaks, led by Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), scored some crucial baskets but the Kings responded with a series of key plays of their own. Despite solid efforts from Treyden Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) and Coleson Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) to keep the Kodiaks in the game, Red Deer’s strong rebounding and shooting saw them extend their lead to 54-41 at the end of the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kodiaks struggled to maintain momentum as the Kings pulled away. Despite strong offensive efforts from Rhett Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) and Degner, the Kodiaks found themselves outpaced. Even though the Kodiaks had found a good rhythm, their missed opportunities and fouls allowed the Kings to extend their lead 77-66 at the end of the third quarter. In a thrilling final quarter, the game saw a dramatic back-and-forth between Lethbridge and Red Deer. The Kodiaks were making shots and started to close the gap. With tensions running high, Red Deer’s top scorer was ejected from the game and momentum shifted to the Kodiaks’ side. Degner led the team in scoring their final points toward a 92-91 Kodiaks win.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #10 Ryan Degner

RDP: #6 Macgregor Manyluk

Jan. 11 MBB | Kodiaks 79 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Kings 71

The Kodiaks came out strong in the first quarter and built an early lead. Barton opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by a three from Lewis. The Kodiaks' defense was also key, with multiple steals from Degner that transitioned to fast-break opportunities. A strong rebounding effort, especially by Jackson and Degner, helped limit Red Deer's second-chance points. Lethbridge extended their lead to 31-13 by the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Kodiaks continued their dominant play, extending their lead over the Kings. The Kings didn’t back down as they chipped away at the scoreboard. The Kodiaks continued to put on the offensive pressure and with everyone contributing, maintained control and ended the first half 49-32.

Despite a few turnovers and fouls in the third quarter, the Kodiaks capitalized on Red Deer's mistakes, with key steals from Lake and Valgardson (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge). A strong finish by Lake with a late layup helped secure the 14-point advantage of 69-55 at the end of the third quarter. The Kodiaks held strong in the fourth as Barton and Degner added on to their lead. Lethbridge was able to capitalize on rebounds, as Wright provided crucial offensive and defensive boards. They also had many defensive stops and a steady free-throw performance that ensured the Kodiaks a 79-71 win over the Kings.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #3 Cole Lake

RDP: #6 Lado Lodo 

Women’s volleyball

Jan. 10 WVB | Kodiaks 2 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens 3 (25-17, 22-25, 19-25, 25-22, 10-15)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks were narrowly defeated 2-3 by Red Deer Polytechnic in a hard-fought five-set match. After taking the first set 25-17 behind strong performances from Kourtney Serfas (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin) and Taryn Bach (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), the Kodiaks struggled in the second, losing 22-25 despite key plays from Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) and Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.). The third set saw the Kodiaks fall 19-25, and although they fought back in the fourth, winning 25-22 with clutch kills from Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) and Serfas, they ultimately lost the deciding fifth set 10-15.

Despite the loss, the Kodiaks played at a high level against a strong nationally-ranked team. Overall, the Kodiaks had a strong performance. Serfas led with 13 kills and 16 points, while Wickstrom added 14 kills at a .400 kills percentage. Austin led the team in digs with 10 while contributing eight kills and three aces, and Emma Blumenschein was effective with eight kills and a .778 hitting percentage. Reese Hanusich had 14 assists, and Lauren Barker added two block assists.

Jan. 11 WVB | Kodiaks 1 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Queens 3 (16-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-27)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks put up a strong fight in their four-set match against Red Deer Polytechnic, ultimately falling 1-3. Wickstrom led the charge with several key kills, while Serfas and Austin contributed valuable points throughout the match. The team showed resilience, especially in the second and fourth sets, where they battled back to tie the score late. Despite some service errors and untimely mistakes, the Kodiaks displayed strong team chemistry and determination, setting the stage for continued improvement in future matches.

the Kodiaks were led offensively by Wickstrom, who finished with an impressive 20 kills on 38 attempts, posting a hitting percentage of .447. Defensively, the team totaled 50 digs, with Serfas contributing 10, and Wickstrom adding seven. The Kodiaks served up six aces, led by Reese Hanusich (third year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) and Serfas with two each. Despite the challenging loss, the Kodiaks displayed a strong effort with valuable contributions from players across the board.

Men’s volleyball

Jan. 10 MVB | Kodiaks 0 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Kings 3 (21-25, 21-25, 18-25)  

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks faced a tough challenge against the nationally-ranked Red Deer Polytechnic Kings in a three-set match, ultimately falling 0-3. Despite strong performances from Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.), who recorded several key kills, and Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.), who consistently contributed with both kills and digs, the Kodiaks struggled with service errors and unforced mistakes. Ben St. Pierre's (fourth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) steady setting provided opportunities for his teammates, but Red Deer capitalized on mistakes and controlled the tempo. 

The Kodiaks were led offensively by Nashim, who recorded 15 points with a strong hitting percentage of .478, showcasing his effectiveness on the attack. Moes contributed 11 kills with a .286 hitting percentage. Defensively, the Kodiaks saw solid blocking from Ben Dyck (second year, Agriculture Sciences, Coaldale), who posted two blocks, while the team totaled nine digs, with Tyler Chernishenko (fifth year, Business Administration, Edmonton) leading with five digs. Despite these efforts, the Kodiaks couldn’t overcome their mistakes and Red Deer's consistent play, which resulted in a tough 0-3 loss.

Jan. 11 MVB | Kodiaks 0 vs Red Deer Polytechnic Kings 3 (21-25, 21-25, 18-25)

In an exciting five-set match, the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks battled the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings. Despite a challenging first set where the Kodiaks fell 14-25, the Kodiaks rallied in the second, winning 25-21 behind strong performances from the duo of Nashim and St. Pierre. The third set was tightly contested but the Kodiaks couldn't hold off the Kings, and dropped it 19-25. However, the Kodiaks took control in the fourth set, dominating 25-14, with key plays from their middles Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Delaware) and Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge). In the deciding fifth set, Lethbridge pulled away late, securing a 15-11 win, with Nashim leading the charge and Moes providing a steady presence at the net. The Kodiaks’ resilience and teamwork were on full display in their comeback victory.

The Kodiaks had several standout individual performances in their five-set victory over Red Deer. Nashim led the team in both kills and points – 11 and 14 respectively – showcasing his offensive ability. Moes also had a significant impact, contributing 13 kills and 16 points. In terms of serving, the Kodiaks recorded six aces and defensively, the team posted 29 digs. The Kodiaks also showed strong blocking, totaling nine blocks. The team's balanced contributions and resilience across all areas were key to their hard-fought victory.