Weekend preview: regular season court sports wrap up

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks are back in action this weekend with volleyball and basketball wrapping up their regular season, and indoor track all competing.

Kodiaks volleyball closes out the season at home against the Briercrest Clippers back-to-back days. Play starts on Friday night with games at 6 and 8 p.m. with each team’s graduating seniors being celebrated following the games. The next afternoon, games continue at 1 and 3 p.m.

Kodiaks basketball travels to Saskatchewan as they also take on the Clippers. Friday the women take the court first with games starting at 5 and 7 p.m. MST. followed the next day with game times at noon and 2 p.m. MST.

The Kodiaks indoor track teams head to Red Deer for a full day event as they run in the second Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Grand Prix of the season.

Volleyball: Games can be watched live on TELUS channel 1998 or ACACTV.

WVB | Kodiaks (3-14) vs Briercrest Clippers (12-5)

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | 1 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks women’s volleyball team is looking to take their momentum from their upset win over Ambrose last weekend into this last stretch of games. Despite being the underdogs in this matchup, the Kodiaks have shown resilience and growth throughout the season. With key players like Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) leading the charge, averaging 2.84 kills per set and boasting an impressive .420 hitting percentage, the Kodiaks have the potential to make this a competitive match. Additionally, outside hitter Kourtney Serfas (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin), with her steady 2.19 kills per set, will be crucial to maintaining offensive pressure and keeping the Clippers' defence on its toes.

The women’s volleyball team will be celebrating their graduating student-athletes: Reanna Gage (second year, Exercise Science, Hamiota, Man.), Taryn Bach (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) and Wickstrom.

MVB | Kodiaks (15-2) vs Briercrest Clippers (9-8)

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 8 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | 3 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team is looking to close out their regular season with some wins, having already secured a playoff spot. With a solid record and impressive individual performances, the Kodiaks are ready to showcase their depth and talent one last time this season on their home court. Leading the way for the Kodiaks is Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.), who has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 3.31 kills per set with an outstanding .582 hitting percentage. His ability to dominate on offence will be key in maintaining the pressure on Briercrest throughout the match. Alongside Nashim, outside hitter Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) has also been a standout, contributing 3.76 kills per set and providing much-needed offensive firepower. The Kodiaks have a balanced offence, with Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.) contributing solid points in the middle. As a team, the Kodiaks are hitting at an impressive .510 percentage, far outpacing Briercrest’s .329, which will be an important advantage to exploit.

The men’s volleyball team will be celebrating their graduating student-athletes: Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge), Tyson Johnson (fourth year, Business Administration, Picture Butte), Nashim and Moes.

Basketball: Games can be watched live on TELUS channel 1998 or ACACTV.

WBB | Kodiaks (8-11) vs Briercrest Clippers (13-5)

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 5 p.m. | Briercrest
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | noon| Briercrest

The women’s basketball team will wrap up their 2024-25 season with a pair of road games. After battling through a challenging stretch, the young team has begun to find its rhythm. They will leave it all on the court in these final matchups, facing the third-ranked team in the south, the Briercrest Clippers. For the Kodiaks to stay competitive, first-year guard Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) will need to get into a shooting groove early on, helping to keep pace with the Clippers. Additionally, limiting turnovers will be crucial, as Briercrest is known for their strong defensive pressure. The team will also rely on Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off) to continue her dominance in the paint as she finished last weekend with 20 rebound and 41 points.Top of Form

MBB | Kodiaks (13-6) vs Briercrest Clippers (17-1)

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 5 p.m. | Briercrest
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | noon| Briercrest

The men’s basketball team faces a challenging test this weekend as they go up against the top-seeded team in the South, the Briercrest Clippers. The Kodiaks have been strong on the boards, averaging 34.1 rebounds per game, but they’ll need to elevate their play against a Briercrest team that excels in this area. By focusing on team effort and aggressive positioning, the Kodiaks can limit second-chance points and create fast-break opportunities. The team has shown resilience under pressure, with smart plays from Cole Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) helping to guide their disciplined approach. Another key contributor, Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), will need to continue battling through tough defences and finding ways to convert points, keeping the offence flowing and competitive against the Clippers.

The Kodiaks have secured a playoff spot at the championships which will be hosted by Briercrest.

Indoor Track

IT | Grand Prix #2 hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic

• Saturday, Feb. 15 | Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

The Kodiaks indoor track teams had a few weeks off and are ready to compete again.

The women’s team in their last meet finished third overall and is looking to improve on their times in the upcoming meet. Kodiaks long distance runner Hannah Pilling (first year, Academic Upgrading, Cardston) is looking to jump into the first-place spot for the 3,000 metres (11:19.85) after battling with Medicine Hat’s runner, Madison Scrimger. This has also a back-and-forth race between the two that was first showcased in the cross-country season. Both relay teams for the women are also hoping to take the fastest times after coming up just short against the reigning champions, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens.

The men’s squad is also hoping for a better outcome after taking second overall in the first meet. With a young group, the first-year student-athletes pushed through their nerves and came away with impressive times. Tyler Wiebe (first year, Pre-Carpenter Certificate, Coaldale) battled it out for a third-place finish in the short 50 m sprint and second in the 300 m. The men’s team’s legacy continues to shine with both of their relay teams finishing first. Hunter Graves continues to make waves for the para-athlete community as he broke the 300 m wheelchair event (1:06.80) and looks to build from that momentum.