Weekend Recap: Kodiaks honoured volleyball seniors

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks competed in an action-packed weekend. Volleyball and basketball faced off against Briercrest, while indoor track travelled to Red Deer Polytechnic. The weekend included eight volleyball seniors being recognized for their contributions to their teams.

Women’s volleyball

Feb. 14 WVB | Kodiaks 1 vs Briercrest Clippers 3 (10-25, 27-25, 13-25, 24-26)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks put up a determined effort against the Briercrest Clippers when hosting them night one. A dominant offensive performance from Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale), led the team offensivlywho registered a game-high 19 kills. Lauren Barker (third year, Interior Design Technologies, Calgary) was highly efficient, tallying eight kills on just 13 attempts, while Trinity Walton (first year, Criminal Justice Policing, Warman, Sask.) added eight kills of her own. Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) made an impact at the net with seven kills and three block assists, contributing 12 points. Setter Taryn Bach (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) orchestrated the offence with 34 assists. Despite their strong individual performances, the Kodiaks came up short against a tough Briercrest squad.

Following the game, graduating student-athletes Wickstrom, Bach and Reanna Gage (second year, Exercise Science, Hamiota, Man.) were honoured for their dedication and contributions to the Kodiaks volleyball program.

Players of the Game

LPK: #1 Taryn Bach and #6 Aideena Wickstrom

BC: #3 Kacey Dale

Feb. 15 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Briercrest Clippers 1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-21, 25-23)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks pulled off a thrilling upset over the top-ranked Briercrest Clippers, showcasing a gritty team effort from start to finish. Wickstrom led the way with 16 kills, powering the Kodiaks' offence. Bach directed the attack with 27 assists. Blumenschein was a force at the net, delivering seven kills on 13 attempts. Barker added seven kills and made a difference from the service line with three aces, while Quincy Price (second year, General Arts and Science, Coaldale) chipped in 11 kills and 16 digs in a well-rounded performance. Gage anchored the defence with a team-high 18 digs, helping the Kodiaks secure a massive victory over the division’s top team.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #1 Taryn Bach

BC: #12 Natalie Baker

Men’s volleyball 

Feb. 14 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Briercrest Clippers 0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-23)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks secured a decisive victory over the Briercrest Clippers, powered by a strong offensive performance from Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.), who recorded 13 kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Setter Ben St. Pierre (fourth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) commanded the attack with 30 assists while adding three service aces. Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) contributed nine kills and three blocks, as he surpassed 1,000 ACAC career kills. Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.) dominated at the net with seven kills and a team-high five blocks. Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) was nearly perfect, converting four of his five attempts for an .800 efficiency. The Kodiaks were sharp from the service line, with Nashim and Moes each delivering two aces. With a balanced attack and solid defensive play, Lethbridge Polytechnic claimed the win in impressive fashion.

Following the game, graduating student-athletes Moes, Nashim, Qually, Tyler Chernishenko (fifth year, Business Administration, Edmonton) and Tyson Johnson (fourth year, Business Administration, Picture Butte) were honoured for their contributions, hard work and dedication to the Kodiaks volleyball program.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #14 Nolan Moes

BC: #17 Adam Revet

Feb. 15 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Briercrest Clippers 2 (18-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 15-11)

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks secured a hard fought victory over the Briercrest Clippers, highlighted by an all-round effort from the team. Cameron Marshall (second year, General Arts and Science, Adelaide, Australia) was exceptional, leading the team with 15 points from 15 kills on 25 attempts, hitting .440. Ben Dyck (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) also played a pivotal role, adding 14 kills and 17 points overall. Nashim contributed significantly with nine kills and seven digs, while Chernishenko’s steady all-around play resulted in three kills, five assists and 10 digs. Moes added seven kills, while Nate Callihoo (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Barrhead) facilitated the offence with 36 assists. The Kodiaks’ balanced attack and solid defensive effort allowed them to maintain control throughout the match.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #9 Ben Dyck

BC: #1 Jeremy Martens

Women’s basketball

Feb. 14 WBB | Kodiaks 52 vs Briercrest Clippers 82

In the first half of the women's basketball game between the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks and the Briercrest Clippers, the Kodiaks faced some early challenges, but showed strong determination. Nyla Butler (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) was a key contributor, hitting free throws and keeping the team within range. Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) made a couple of timely jump shots, showing resilience. While the team struggled with turnovers, Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) grabbed defensive rebounds to help stem the tide. The Kodiaks remained focused, with efforts from players like Halle Aleman (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) and Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off) on both ends of the court. Despite a tough matchup, the Kodiaks continued to fight through the adversity and demonstrated team spirit heading into half-time.

In the second half of the game, the Kodiaks fought hard but struggled to close the gap. In the third quarter, Aleman hit a timely three-pointer with a strong assist from Wells-Creighton. Butler and Blackmore worked hard to gather rebounds and attempt shots, while Wells-Creighton contributed defensively with a block. The Kodiaks saw more scoring from Aleman, who added another three-pointer, and the team capitalized on opportunities with key free throws from Wells-Creighton. In the fourth quarter, Paighton Kumson (second year, Correctional Studies, Edmonton) had a strong start, sinking a three-pointer and adding a free throw. Despite the Kodiaks’ late efforts, including a solid jump shot by Layla Vaz (first year, Open Studies, Raymond), Briercrest's consistent shooting maintained their lead, and the Kodiaks were unable to mount a full comeback, falling to the Clippers 82-52.

Feb. 15 WBB | Kodiaks 38 vs Briercrest Clippers 64

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks found themselves in a back-and-forth battle against the Briercrest Clippers during the first half. The game opened with Westrop’s early jumper putting the Kodiaks on the board, followed by Butler’s contribution to the lead. Lethbridge quickly capitalized on defensive rebounds and steals, with Aleman helping to extend the lead with a mid-range jumper assisted by Westrop. As the first quarter progressed, the Clippers managed to pull even, but the Kodiaks continued to respond—Blackmore nailed a jumper assisted by Aleman to tie the game at 10-10. Heading into the second quarter, Lethbridge fought to regain momentum. Wells-Creighton’s jump shot brought the Kodiaks within four points, and they fought hard to maintain that gap. Despite some turnovers and Briercrest pushing ahead, the Kodiaks’ resilience stood out with crucial steals and rebounds, including a block by Westrop. The quarter concluded with the Kodiaks trailing, but still in striking distance.

In the second half, the Kodiaks struggled to find offensive rhythm. In the third quarter, Lethbridge’s efforts to close the gap were met with missed shots and turnovers. Aleman, Butler and Blackmore each contributed defensively with rebounds, but despite strong hustle, Briercrest extended their lead. A key moment came when Aleman grabbed an offensive rebound after a missed three-pointer, and Blackmore sank a three-pointer later in the quarter. Moving into the fourth, Lethbridge continued to battle hard, with Summer James (third year, Exercise Science, Mountain View) hitting a three-pointer early in the period. However, Briercrest’s offence stayed consistent, and although players like Aleman, Butler and Wells-Creighton tried to contribute, the Kodiaks couldn’t close the gap, with Briercrest winning 64-38.

Men’s basketball 

Feb. 14 MBB | Kodiaks 77 vs Briercrest Clippers 85

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks came out strong in the first half against the Briercrest Clippers, with Cody Tollestrup (second year, General Arts and Science, Magrath) opening the scoring on a jumper. Rhett Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) followed with a pair of buckets, keeping the Kodiaks in stride early. Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) found his rhythm, contributing key baskets alongside Coleson Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho), who knocked down a three to tie the game at 11. Levi Balderson (first year, General Arts and Science, Welling) and Rylan Adrian (second year, Massage Therapy, Lethbridge) made an impact off the bench, with Adrian sinking a jumper to give the Kodiaks a brief lead. Lake continued to shine, adding another jumper, and assisting on a Degner bucket late in the half. Despite a strong offensive push, the Kodiaks entered halftime trailing 43-41.

The Kodiaks came out strong in the second half, with Balderson immediately making an impact on both ends of the floor, grabbing a steal and later converting a mid-range jumper. Lake provided a spark, knocking down key free throws before draining back-to-back three-pointers to help Lethbridge take the lead. Tollestrup dominated the glass with multiple offensive rebounds, eventually capitalizing with a putback to keep the momentum rolling. Degner and Treydon Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) contributed from the line, while Lewis drilled a clutch three to maintain the advantage. Late in the quarter, Rylan Adrian stepped up with a crucial jump shot, but the Kodiaks couldn’t keep up with the Clippers, falling 85-77.

Feb. 15 MBB | Kodiaks 80 vs Briercrest Clippers 98

Lethbridge opened the rematch with a strong start, as Barton hit a three-pointer off a Lewis assist. Barton continued to make an impact early, securing a steal that led to a free throw from Tollestrup. Lake and Barton contributed to the offence with mid-range jumpers, while Degner knocked down a three to extend the Kodiaks’ lead. Tollestrup and Balderson added to the scoreboard with crucial baskets and free throws, but despite their efforts, Briercrest remained within reach. Barton's strong defensive presence resulted in multiple steals, setting up key scoring opportunities. At the end of the first half, Lethbridge trailed 53-43.

The Kodiaks opened the second half with strong offensive contributions from Tollestrup and Lewis, who combined for early buckets to chip away at Briercrest’s lead. Lake provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down a three-pointer, while Barton continued to be a force, scoring in the paint and converting a three-point play. Balderson added key free throws and a late three-pointer to keep the Kodiaks within striking distance. Seth Tomasson (second year, Business Administration, Nanaimo, B.C.) and Degner battled hard on the glass, securing offensive rebounds to generate extra opportunities. Despite a resilient push and efficient shooting stretches, the Kodiaks finished the game with a 98-80 loss.

Indoor Track

Feb. 15 IT | Grand Prix #2 hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks put together a strong showing at their latest indoor track meet in Edmonton, highlighted by dominant performances in the men’s relays. The Kodiaks men’s team secured victories in both the 4x200 metre (1:37.19) and 4x400 m (3:39.24) events. Owen Stewart (third year, Business Administration Accounting, Lethbridge) was a standout, claiming gold in both the 600 m (1:25.27) and 1,000m (2:35.81). Ethan Grasmeyer (second year, Natural Resource Compliance, Smithers, B.C.) added to the team’s success, winning the 3,000 m (9:28.38) in his first indoor race of the season and earning his first career ACAC victory.

On the women’s side, Hannah Pilling (first year, Academic Upgrading, Cardston) led the way with a second-place finish in the 3,000m (11:24.52) and a third-place result in the 1500m (5:21.91). Katrina Michel (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Okotoks) and Kate Block (second year, Business Administration, Waldheim, Sask.) delivered strong performances, both securing fourth-place finishes—Michel in the 600 m (1:46.25) and Block in the 1,000 m (3:17.47).