Weekend Recap: Kodiaks honoured basketball seniors

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks volleyball and basketball teams played against the Ambrose University Lions, with all securing wins in front of the home crowd at Val Matteotti Gymnasium. The weekend concluded with two women’s basketball seniors being honoured as they played in their last home game of the season.

Women’s volleyball

Feb. 7 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Ambrose Lions 0 (26-25, 25-22, 25-22)

The Kodiaks put together a strong team effort against the Ambrose University Lions, upsetting the No. 1 team in the south standings. Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) led the offence, tallying 12 kills and 15 points while adding a key service ace and two solo blocks. Kourtney Serfas (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin) and Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) provided steady attacking support with eight kills each, while Lauren Barker (third year, Interior Design Technology, Calgary) contributed five kills and a team-high three service aces. Setter Taryn Bach (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) controlled the offence with 31 assists and chipped in two aces of her own.

Defensively, Reanna Gage (second year, Exercise Science, Hamiota, Man.) anchored the back row with seven digs, while Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) was a force at the net with three block assists. Despite some service errors, the Kodiaks’ balanced attack and strong net presence secured a hard-fought victory.

Wickstrom was a dominant presence at the net, not only leading the team in kills but also making a defensive impact with two solo blocks. Austin and Serfas were key offensive contributors, each delivering efficient attacks to keep the Kodiaks in control. Barker’s all-around play stood out, as she combined her offensive output with three crucial service aces. Bach’s steady hands guided the offence, racking up 31 assists while adding pressure from the service line. On the defensive end, Gage and Blumenschein played critical roles, with Gage leading in digs and Blumenschein making her presence felt with three blocks. The Kodiaks’ depth and teamwork proved vital in securing the win.

Players of the Game

LPK: #6 Aideena Wickstrom

AMB: #13 Elise Wagner

Feb. 8 WVB | Kodiaks 1 vs Ambrose Lions 3 (17-25, 26-24, 11-25, 18-25)

The Kodiaks battled hard but ultimately fell in four sets to the Ambrose University Lions in Calgary. Bach kept the offence moving with 23 assists and added two service aces, while Wickstrom led the attack with nine kills and made a strong defensive impact with four solo blocks. Barker was highly efficient, posting seven kills on just nine attempts for a .667 hitting percentage. Despite solid contributions from Austin and Serfas, who combined for 11 kills, the Kodiaks struggled with consistency, committing 18 attack errors. Blumenschein was a key presence at the net with six block assists, and Gage led the back row with eight digs. Though the team showed resilience, service errors and defensive lapses proved costly as Ambrose claimed the 3-1 victory.

Wickstrom led the Kodiaks offensively with nine kills, while also contributing seven digs and four blocks, making her a key player on both sides of the ball. Serfas added six kills and six digs, maintaining pressure on the Lions' defence throughout the match. Austin also played an important role, registering five kills and two blocks, while Barker was efficient with seven kills on nine attempts. Blumenschein’s defensive efforts were notable as well, as she tallied six block assists, helping to thwart the Lions' attacks. Despite the tough loss, the Kodiaks' standout performances in various areas of the game showed their grit and commitment.

Men’s volleyball

Feb. 7 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Ambrose Lions 0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-15)

In a dominant performance by the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks, the team secured a 3-0 victory over the Ambrose University Lions. The match was highlighted by strong offensive and defensive play across all sets. Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.) led the charge, recording 11 kills on 16 attempts with a remarkable .625 hitting percentage, while also contributing a solid 12 points. With this performance, Nashim reached the milestone of 500 career kills. Ben St. Pierre (fourth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) and Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) followed closely with ten kills and contributing 12 points on the night. The Kodiaks also saw a strong performance from Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge), who had four kills and nine points, alongside Ben Dyck (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale), who tallied three kills and six points. The team’s defence was equally impressive, with key blocks from Qually and Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.), and solid digs from players like St. Pierre and Moes. The Kodiaks' balanced effort and strong teamwork were key factors in their success.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #15 Marshall Qually

AMB: #7 Cole Giesbrecht

Feb. 8 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Ambrose Lions 0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-21)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks powered through a 3-0 sweep against the Ambrose University Lions in a commanding men’s volleyball match in Calgary. Nashim was the standout performer, recording an impressive 14 kills and 14 points. Dyck also made significant contributions, with eight kills and 10 points. Qually showcased his efficiency with a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage, adding six kills and seven points. Anderson supported the team’s offence with four kills and five points. Tyler Chernishenko (fifth year, Business Administration, Edmonton) and St. Pierre also contributed on offence and defence, helping the Kodiaks secure the dominant win. The Kodiaks displayed all-around strong play, concluding with a 36-9 kill advantage and a .474 hitting percentage.

Women’s basketball

Feb. 7 WBB | Kodiaks 71 vs Ambrose Lions 45

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks found themselves trailing the Ambrose University Lions 20-13 at the end of the first quarter in Calgary. The Kodiaks had early struggles with turnovers, but positive plays from players like Halle Aleman (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), who scored on a jump shot, and Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off), who made key free throws, kept them in the game. Lethbridge managed to get several defensive rebounds, including from Wells-Creighton and Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath), while also generating steals through Aleman and Nyomi Heins (first year, Open Studies, Diamond City). The second quarter saw the Kodiaks fight back, with Heins hitting a three-pointer and Aleman following up with another shot shortly after. The Kodiaks showed resilience and remained in the fight heading into halftime, expanding their lead to 36-23.

In the second half, the Kodiaks dominated the Ambrose Lions, extending their lead throughout the final two quarters. Early in the third, Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) made a jump shot, followed by Blackmore’s defence and offensive rebounds that helped maintain control. Aleman and Heins contributed with key rebounds, while Gaby Power (third year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) hit a crucial three-point shot to extend the Kodiaks’ lead to 54-31. With several turnovers and steals, including by Summer James (third year, Exercise Science, Mountain View) and Wells-Creighton, the Kodiaks remained aggressive. In the final moments, Layla Vaz (first year, Open Studies, Raymond) and Westrop added more points to seal the win at 71-45.

Feb. 8 WBB | Kodiaks 78 vs Ambrose Lions 72

Prior to the game the Kodiaks women’s basketball team took a minute to honour their two graduating senior student-athletes: Courtney Deemter (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary) and Annah Westrop. The two were presented framed photos and followers accompanied by a sendoff speech from head coach Ken McMurray.

The Lethbridge Kodiaks started strong in the first half, with Westrop opening the scoring on a steal and layup. Wells-Creighton quickly found her rhythm, leading the offence with multiple key plays, including a three-pointer and a series of free throws to keep the Kodiaks competitive. Power and Heins provided additional offensive support, while Nyla Butler (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) made an impact with a crucial layup and defensive hustle. Blackmore and Vaz contributed in the second quarter, with Blackmore sinking a three-pointer and Vaz adding both a jumper and a block. The Kodiaks took control heading into halftime, closing the half with a 37-29 lead over the Ambrose Lions.

The Kodiaks came out strong in the second half, with Aleman making an early impact by grabbing offensive rebounds and sinking a free throw. Westrop controlled the boards, securing key rebounds, while Butler and Wells-Creighton added to the scoreboard with solid shooting. Aleman continued to shine, picking up steals and assists, including a well-timed pass to Butler for a smooth jump shot. Power contributed from the free-throw line, and James and Heins provided fresh energy off the bench. As the game tightened in the final minutes, Wells-Creighton drove in for a crucial layup, but the Kodiaks still needed a big shot to force overtime. With the clock winding down, Blackmore stepped up and drained a clutch three-pointer, keeping the Kodiaks' hopes alive as they pushed the game into extra time.

The Kodiaks took control early in overtime with James making an immediate impact, grabbing a steal and assisting Aleman for a go-ahead layup. Blackmore followed up with a defensive rebound and knocked down two clutch free throws to extend the lead. Despite missed shots from both teams, the Kodiaks stayed aggressive on the boards, with Blackmore and Aleman securing key rebounds. James capitalized on second-chance points with a crucial layup, and Westrop added a defensive rebound to maintain momentum. Aleman pushed the lead further with another layup, and Wells-Creighton delivered in the final minute with a strong drive to the hoop off a Blackmore assist. With Ambrose looking for a last push, Blackmore sealed the victory with a dagger three-pointer off a feed from Power, securing the hard-fought win for the Kodiaks.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #8 Bailey Blackmore

AMB: #7 Acacia Kubanay

Men’s basketball

Feb. 7 MBB | Kodiaks 109 vs Ambrose Lions 80 

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks came out strong in the first quarter in Calgary, with Treydon Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) grabbing an early defensive rebound before Cody Tollestrup (second year, General Arts and Science, Magrath) put the team on the board with a jump shot. Barton then drained a three-pointer off an assist from Coleson Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho), cutting into the early deficit. Rhett Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) added a mid-range jumper, and Lake kept the offence flowing with a deep three to tie the game. Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) made his presence felt with a steal and a basket, followed by more defensive stops that helped fuel a Kodiaks run. With contributions from Corey Banks (first year, Architectural Animation Technology, Canmore) and Levi Balderson (first year, General Arts and Science, Welling), the Kodiaks closed the half on a strong note, capped off by a Balderson jump shot to give Lethbridge a commanding 59-34 lead.

The Kodiaks continued their dominant performance in the second half, maintaining offensive pressure and defensive intensity. Barton set the tone early with a smooth jump shot, while Degner kept the momentum rolling with a deep three-pointer. Rylan Adrian (second year, Massage Therapy, Lethbridge) made an impact off the bench, securing key rebounds, while Seth Tomasson (second year, Business Administration, Nanaimo, B.C.) added to the lead with strong play in the paint, knocking down free throws and grabbing offensive boards. Balderson provided a spark with back-to-back three-pointers, assisted by Lake and Ryker Dewsbery (second year, General arts and Science, Raymond). Banks made his presence felt with a steal late in the quarter, keeping the Kodiaks in control. With contributions from across the roster, Lethbridge closed the half in commanding fashion, finishing the night with a 109-80 victory.

Feb. 8 MBB | Kodiaks 103 vs Ambrose Lions 78

Back in front of a home crowd, the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks opened the first half with strong offensive play, led by Tollestrup, who drained multiple baskets, including an early jump shot and a key tip-in. Lake added to the momentum with a series of well-executed shots, including back-to-back three-pointers that kept the Kodiaks within striking distance. Lewis contributed with assists, setting up teammates such as Degner and Barton, while Banks and Balderson made crucial plays to keep Lethbridge competitive. The Kodiaks closed out the half on a high note, taking a 56-46 lead into the break.

Lethbridge maintained dominance in the second half, securing a commanding victory over the Ambrose University Lions. Degner opened the half with a key layup to keep the Kodiaks ahead, while Lewis extended the lead with clutch free throws. Balderson made a major impact, sinking consecutive jump shots, while Degner added another layup to widen the gap. As the game progressed, Lewis and Tollestrup remained aggressive, with Tollestrup securing an offensive rebound and adding points in the paint. Balderson electrified the crowd with back-to-back three-pointers, assisted by Lewis and Degner, solidifying the Kodiaks’ momentum. A balanced attack and relentless defence powered Lethbridge to a dominant 103-78 victory, marking another strong performance for the squad.

Players of the Game

LPK: #15 Cody Tollestrup

AMB: #9 Hunter Snyder