Weekend Recap: Kodiaks pick up wins on home court

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks had a productive weekend on the hardwood.

The Kodiaks basketball teams hosted the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves and The King’s University Eagles. The Kodiaks men’s and women’s basketball teams were able to pick up a combined four wins in front of a home crowd.

The Kodiaks men’s and women’s volleyball teams travelled north to take on the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves and The King’s University Eagles. The men’s team came away with two wins while the women’s team lost two five-set matches.

Nov. 1 WBB | Kodiaks 78 vs NWP Wolves 45

The Kodiaks women’s basketball squad opened the weekend playing host to the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves. In a fast-paced first quarter, the Kodiaks took an early lead against the Wolves starting with a layup from Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath). The teams exchanged baskets, but Lethbridge's defensive efforts and offensive rebounds helped them regain control. With significant contributions from players like Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) and Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off, Alta.), the Kodiaks surged to a 24-8 lead by the quarter's end.

In the second quarter, the Kodiaks continued their strong performance with aggressive defence and efficient scoring. Early steals led to fast-break opportunities, allowing Gaby Power (third year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) to score, and Blackmore hit a key three-pointer to extend the Kodiaks’ advantage. The Kodiaks maintained their momentum, capitalizing on Northwestern’s mistakes. Layups by Halle Aleman (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) and Westrop further increased the lead to 45-21 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Kodiaks showcased a blend of strong defence and strategic scoring. Aleman opened the scoring with two free throws. The Wolves responded with a three-pointer, but the Kodiaks quickly countered with layups. The Kodiaks capitalized on Northwestern’s turnovers, with Power making key steals that led to easy baskets, finishing the quarter at 68-26.

In the final quarter, Northwestern Polytechnic struggled to close the gap. Despite a late effort, the Wolves couldn’t keep up with the Kodiaks, resulting in a final score of 78-45.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #5 Annah Westrop

NWP: #7 Keeley Miller

Nov. 2 WBB | Kodiaks 73 at TKU Eagles 63

On Saturday, the Kodiaks women’s basketball team played host to The King’s University Eagles. The game started slowly with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Kodiaks forwards Courtney Deemter (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary) and Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) scored to pull ahead. The teams exchanged baskets, with both sides making several turnovers. Lethbridge maintained their lead through consistent scoring and solid defence. The quarter ended with the Kodiaks up 18-11.

In the second quarter, the Kodiaks took control, extending their lead to 40-29 by halftime. Key players for Lethbridge, including Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off, Alta.) and Nyomi Heins (first year, Open Studies, Diamond City, Alta.), contributed with layups and three-pointers. The King's University Eagles struggled with turnovers and missed shots, despite some moments of resurgence.

In the third quarter, Lethbridge extended their lead, starting with a strong performance that included a three-pointer from Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath). Despite several missed opportunities from the Eagles, they were able to spark a mini-comeback with a three-point shot, narrowing the gap. However, with consistent scoring from Westrop and Wells-Creighton, offensive rebounds and free throws, the Kodiak's had a 61-49 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Eagles fought hard but fell to the Kodiaks, 73-63. The Eagles managed to cut the deficit to as little as six points but Lethbridge maintained their lead, with crucial free throws and layups sealing their victory as the clock ran down.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #22 Chase Wells-Creighton

TKU: #13 Megan Aleman

Nov. 1 MBB | Kodiaks 82 vs NWP Wolves 61

The Kodiaks men’ basketball team played host to the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves Friday night. It was a back-and-forth game to start off with both teams showcasing strong defensive efforts. After an early free throw put them ahead, the Kodiaks maintained pressure, with Hayden Many Grey Horses (first year, Academic Upgrading, Pincher Creek) scoring key baskets to help build a Kodiaks lead. Although Northwestern briefly tied the game, Lethbridge quickly responded with a series of strong plays, including a jump shot from Many Grey Horses. As the quarter progressed, the Kodiaks continued to fight, with Treydon Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) hitting a crucial three-pointer just before the buzzer. The Kodiaks led 23-17 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kodiaks faced increased pressure from the Wolves, who quickly tied the game at 23-23, capitalizing on turnovers and missed shots from Lethbridge. The Kodiaks regrouped with a timeout, allowing them to reset. Ryan Degner’s (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) timely three-pointer ignited the Kodiaks’ momentum, pushing them back into the lead. Cole Lake’s (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) scoring contributions kept the pressure on Northwestern, as the Kodiaks surged to a 41-33 lead going into the second half.

In the third quarter, Lethbridge Polytechnic extended their lead over Northwestern, with notable contributions from Ryker Dewsbery (second year, General Arts and Science, Raymond), who scored a layup and added a free throw to push the score to 55-43. The quarter saw both teams struggle with turnovers, but Lethbridge capitalized on their defensive steals and scoring opportunities to maintain control of the game. By the end of the quarter, the Kodiaks led 59-46.

Lethbridge's defensive plays and effective rebounding, particularly from Dewsbery, helped them control the game and fend off Northwestern’s late-game efforts. The final score saw Lethbridge Polytechnic emerge victorious at 82-61.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #11 Ryker Dewsbery

NWP: #3 Tony Kibonge

Nov. 2 MBB | Kodiaks 89 at TKU Eagles 79

The Kodiaks men faced The King’s University Eagles in basketball action Saturday. The Kodiaks jumped out to an early lead, showcasing strong offensive plays. Both teams exchanged baskets, with key contributions from Kodiaks Treydon Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) and Jackson Wright (second year, Business Administration, Claresholm).The Eagles responded with their own scoring runs, but the Kodiaks maintained their advantage through aggressive defence and effective rebounding. Lethbridge Polytechnic led 22-20 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Kodiaks looked to extend their lead, but both teams exchanged baskets early on. Despite missed layups and fouls from the Kodiaks, The King's University kept the game competitive. The Kodiaks found momentum with a series of three-pointers from Karson Valgardson (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) and Corey Banks (first year, Architectural Animation Technology, Canmore), pushing their lead to a critical margin. However, the Eagles rallied back with crucial tip-ins and made free throws that kept them in striking distance. As the quarter wound down, Lethbridge managed to score a late layup, finishing the half ahead 45-41.

In the third quarter, the Kodiaks extended their lead against the Eagles, starting with a layup from Coles Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho). The Eagles attempted to close the gap, but the Kodiaks responded with strong play from Wright and Lake, pushing the score. The Kodiaks ended the third quarter in command with a 73-57 lead.

In the final quarter, the Kodiaks held off a spirited effort from the Eagles. The Kodiaks continued with strong plays, including free throws and layups that kept the scoreboard moving in their favour. As the clock wound down, Lethbridge capitalized on defensive rebounds and fouls, winning with a final score of 89-79.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #3 Cole Lake

TKU: #9 Jonathan Barwegen

Nov. 1 WVB | Kodiaks 2 at NWP Wolves 3 (25-18, 23-25, 25-21, 18-25, 13-15)

The Kodiaks women’s volleyball team travelled north to play against the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves. In an intense five-set battle, the Kodiaks fell to Wolves, 3-2. The Kodiaks started strong, taking the first set 25-18, showcasing their power and teamwork. However, Northwestern bounced back in the second set, narrowly edging out the Kodiaks 25-23.

The third set saw the Kodiaks regain momentum, winning 25-21, but the tide turned again as Northwestern dominated the fourth set 25-18, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set. Despite a valiant effort, the Kodiaks couldn’t maintain their rhythm, losing the final set 15-13.

Throughout the match Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) played a huge role that energized the team. With six kills and an impressive .500 attack percentage, Austin consistently found ways to score, adding 10 digs that bolstered the Kodiaks’ defence. The team demonstrated strong defensive skills overall, accumulating a total of 43 digs, but ultimately, they couldn't capitalize on their early leads.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #3 Robyn Austin

NWP: #1 Sierra LaValley

Nov. 2 WVB | Kodiaks 2 at TKU Eagles 3 (25-21, 19-25, 27-25, 15-25, 6-15)

On Saturday, the Kodiaks women played at The Kings University Eagles gym in Edmonton where they had another thrilling five-set match, ultimately falling 3-2. The Kodiaks started strong, taking the first set 25-21 with an impressive offensive display, including 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .444. However, momentum shifted in the second set as the Eagles rallied to win 25-19, capitalizing on the Kodiaks’ errors.

The Kodiaks fought back in the third set, showcasing resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought 27-25 victory. Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) played a pivotal role, contributing nine kills and helping stabilize the offence. Unfortunately, Lethbridge struggled in the fourth set, managing only seven kills, which allowed the Eagles to take control and win 25-15. In the decisive fifth set, the Kodiaks faced an uphill battle and ultimately fell 15-6, unable to find their rhythm as the Eagles clinched the match. 

Despite the loss, Lethbridge Polytechnic had notable individual efforts, particularly from Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) and Blumenschein, who both significantly contributed to the team’s 29 kills. The Kodiaks also demonstrated solid defensive skills, racking up 58 digs, but they will need to regroup and refine their gameplay as they look to bounce back in their next matches.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #12 Emma Blumenschein

TKU: #1 Kadison McLeod

Nov. 1 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at NWP Wolves 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-21)

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team defeated the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves 3-1 in Grand Prairie to extend their unbeaten streak early in the season. The Kodiaks started off shaky, battling through a closely contested first set and falling short 25-23. However, they quickly regrouped and shifted gears, winning the next three sets with scores of 25-23, 25-20, and 25-21.

Key contributions came from Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.), who led the offence with 11 kills, showcasing his ability to find gaps in the defence. Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.) also stepped up, adding nine kills, and bringing energy to the court. Nate Callihoo (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Barrhead, Alta.) made his mark as well, providing solid plays and strategic serves that kept the momentum on the Kodiaks' side. Defensively, the team was sharp, recording a total of 34 digs, which helped them maintain pressure and capitalize on their opponents' errors.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #20 Nate Callihoo

NWP: #5 Cooper Paulovich

Nov. 2 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at TKU Eagles 0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-16)

On Saturday, the Kodiaks men’s volleyball had a commanding performance as they swept The King's University Eagles with a decisive 3-0 victory. The Kodiaks showcased their offensive prowess, winning the sets 25-11, 25-11, and 25-16. Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) led the charge with nine kills, demonstrating his ability to penetrate the defence, while Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.) contributed significantly with seven kills and displayed impressive court awareness.

The Kodiaks were particularly effective in the second set, achieving a hitting percentage of .600, a testament to their offensive efficiency. Players like Ben Dyck (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) and Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.) each added crucial points that kept the momentum firmly with Lethbridge Polytechnic. Despite a strong showing in the third set from the Eagles, which saw them post nine kills, they struggled to keep pace with the Kodiaks’ relentless attack.

Defensively, Lethbridge was on point, recording 20 digs and effectively shutting down their opponents’ offensive efforts. The Eagles faced challenges throughout the match, unable to establish a rhythm, finishing with a negative hitting percentage. This win not only reflects the Kodiaks’ strong teamwork and strategy but also sets a positive tone for the rest of their season. As they continue to build on this momentum, Lethbridge Polytechnic looks poised to make a significant impact in the league.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #1 Ben St. Pierre 

TKU: #15 Robert Bugden