Weekend Recap: Kodiaks cross-country teams perform well at nationals
The Kodiaks had a huge weekend of competition with cross-country participating in nationals and all court sports battling it out in the regular season.
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks had a huge weekend of competition with cross-country participating in nationals and all court sports battling it out in the regular season.
The Kodiaks cross-country teams travelled to Windsor, Ont. to race against the best at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association nationals.
The Kodiaks volleyball teams hosted the NAIT Ooks and University of Alberta – Augustana Vikings (UAA) where the men’s team won both games and the women’s team lost both games.
The Kodiaks basketball teams played on the road against the NAIT Ooks and UAA Vikings where the women’s team won against NAIT and lost against UAA and the men’s team lost against NAIT and won against UAA.
Cross-country:
The Kodiaks women’s team competed at nationals in the six-kilometre run. They were in a field of 96 runners and 15 teams. The Kodiaks finished eighth overall, led by first-year runner Hannah Pilling (first year, Academic Upgrading, Cardston) who finished 20th with a time of 24:29, followed by Kate Block (second year, Business Administration, Waldheim, Sask.) in 46th place with a time of 26:11 and Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) in 47th place with a time of 26:12.
In the men’s 8k race, the Kodiaks team finished 11th overall out of 16 teams and 97 runners. Owen Stewart (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) was the first Kodiaks runner to cross the line in 31st place, followed by Ethan Grasmeyer (second year, Natural Resource Compliance, Smithers, B.C.) in 45th place.
Volleyball:
Oct. 25 WVB | Kodiaks 0 at NAIT Ooks 3 (19-25, 13-25, 20-25)
The Kodiaks struggled in their match against NAIT, falling in three straight sets, 19-25, 13-25,20-25. Despite some solid individual efforts, the team was unable to break through the powerful attack of their opponents. Kourtney Serfas (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin, Alta.) led the Kodiaks offensively with seven kills, though her hitting percentage was low at .158. Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) also contributed eight kills and was active at the net, but the Kodiaks' overall attack efficiency was a challenge, with a combined hitting percentage of just .099. Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) and Trinity Walton (first year, Criminal Justice Policing, Warman, Sask.) tried to spark the offense, but NAIT's defense was strong, and the Kodiaks were often forced into unforced errors, especially in the second and third sets.
Defensively, the Kodiaks worked hard to keep the ball in play but struggled to contain NAIT's offensive firepower. In particular, the blocking and serving from NAIT made it difficult for the Kodiaks to gain momentum. Although the Kodiaks had some good moments, such as a few well-timed digs from players like Serfas and Walton, they were unable to capitalize on opportunities.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #3 Robyn Austin
NAIT: #2 Makenna Doyle
Oct. 26 WVB | Kodiaks 0 vs UAA Vikings 3 (16-25, 15-25, 16-25)
The Kodiaks faced a tough challenge against the University of Alberta – Augustana, falling 16-25, 15-25, 16-25 in straight sets. Taryn Bach (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) did her best to facilitate the offence, contributing 17 assists, but the Kodiaks struggled with their attack, finishing with a hitting percentage of just .009. Serfas and Wickstrom each had a difficult time finding their rhythm at the net, while Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) and Austin also faced challenges in converting their opportunities. The team couldn't seem to generate consistent offensive pressure, which allowed Augustana to control the match.
Defensively, the Kodiaks were unable to slow down Augustana's attackers, who capitalized on the Kodiaks' errors. Serfas and Wickstrom led the team in digs, but their efforts weren’t enough to counter the constant offensive pressure. Lethbridge found themselves outpaced by a well-rounded Augustana squad. The Kodiaks will look to regroup and sharpen their play in all aspects of the game as they move forward in the season.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #1 Taryn Bach
UAA: #10 Hadley Ziemmer
Oct. 25 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at NAIT Ooks 1 (27-29, 25-15, 25-22, 29-27)
The Kodiaks opened up the weekend playing against the ACAC and CCAA defending champions, NAIT Ooks. The Kodiaks just missed taking the first set falling 29-27 in a thrilling back-and-forth game. Lethbridge responded with dominating wins in the next three sets, claiming 25-15, 25-22, and 29-27 victories. Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) was the standout for Lethbridge, leading the team with 18 kills and contributing 22 points, including a crucial performance in the final set. His consistent offensive presence, along with solid support from Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.), 10 kills, and Ben Dyck (second year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale), six kills, powered the Kodiaks to victory. Moes' all-around play was key as the team held their composure and adjusted to NAIT's challenging offensive attack.
The Kodiaks' attack efficiency improved significantly as the match progressed, with Lethbridge hitting .556 in the second set and .545 in the fourth. Ben St. Pierre (fourth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) and Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) also played important roles, contributing timely kills and strong defensive efforts. Defensively, Kohlbe Anderson (second year, Business Administration, Claymont, Del.) was a key force at the net, finishing with seven blocks, while the Kodiaks maintained control in the final set with critical plays from Moes and Qually. Despite a strong showing from NAIT, the Kodiaks' depth and resilience were on full display as they pushed through to secure the 3-1 win.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #17 Kohlbe Anderson
NAIT: #4 Jacob Ritz
Oct. 26 MVB | Kodiaks 3 at UAA Vikings 1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-16)
On Saturday, the Kodiaks hosted the University of Alberta – Augustana. Both teams battled it out in the first set which ended 25-23 in the Vikings’ favour. The Kodiaks bounced back in dominant fashion, taking the next three sets 25-20, 25-19, and 25-16. Nashim led the charge for Lethbridge with a stellar 17-kill performance, including 10 kills in the final two sets alone. His powerful offense, combined with efficient blocking from both middles Anderson and Qually, helped the Kodiaks regain control after a tough opening set. Nashim's ability to find the court and his presence at the net were key factors in the team's success, along with a strong serving game that kept the Vikings off balance.
Lethbridge's offensive efficiency improved significantly after the first set, with the team hitting .381 in the second set and .409 in the third set. The Kodiaks' defense also stepped up, limiting Augustana to just a .176 hitting percentage in the fourth set. Ben Dyck and Nolan Moes contributed solid all-around efforts, while Qually added five service points to keep the pressure on. With their well-rounded performance, the Kodiaks showcased their depth and resilience, securing a comfortable 3-1 victory to remain undefeated on the season.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #9 Ben Dyck
UAA: #18 Joel Smith
Basketball:
Oct. 26 WBB | Kodiaks 53 vs NAIT Ooks 54
The first half saw a closely contested battle between the Kodiaks and NAIT, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The Kodiaks had a rough start but managed to stay competitive, relying on strong defence and a few timely baskets from key players. Gaby Power (third year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) was a force, pulling down rebounds and fighting for second-chance opportunities. On the other end, Halle Aleman (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) was active on the defensive side, disrupting passing lanes and making it difficult for the opposing team to get comfortable. NAIT's defence forced several turnovers, but the Kodiaks responded with hustle and grit, keeping the game tight. Despite some missed opportunities, the Kodiaks stayed within striking distance, and the score was close at halftime, with NAIT holding a slim 19-18 lead.
In the second half, the Kodiaks came out with renewed energy, tightening up their defence and finding key contributions from multiple players. Aleman hit a crucial three-pointer early in the third to give the Kodiaks the lead, and she followed it up with several important steals and baskets, including a late jump shot that extended their advantage. Layla Vaz (first year, Open Studies, Raymond) was instrumental in the second half as well, contributing with timely rebounds and a solid mid-range jumper that helped keep the Kodiaks in the game. Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) was a key defensive presence for the Kodiaks, battling hard under the boards and providing important energy on both ends of the floor. Despite a strong push from NAIT late in the third quarter, the Kodiaks held their ground with determined defence, led by Aleman’s hustle and Power’s quick hands, keeping the score close as they entered the fourth. The game remained tight through the final minutes, but the Kodiaks fought hard, relying on a mix of defense and timely scoring, even as the game slipped away in the final seconds.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #8 Bailey Blackmore
Oct. 26 WBB | Kodiaks 64 at UAA Vikings 56
The Kodiaks battled hard through the first half, showing resilience after a slow start. Despite falling behind early, they worked their way back into the game, with strong performances from Courtney Deemter (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary), who was active on both ends of the floor, scoring and grabbing rebounds. Power contributed with a crucial three-pointer in the second quarter, helping keep the score close. Vaz was a presence in the paint, and the team’s defence tightened up, with several key stops to slow down the opposition. As the half progressed, the Kodiaks kept their energy high, and after some strong individual plays, including a clutch three-pointer from Power, they managed to even the score at 31-31, setting up an exciting second half.
In the second half, the Kodiaks came out strong, turning a tied game into a dominant lead with key contributions from their players. Power's early three-pointer gave the Kodiaks a slight edge. Blackmore stepped up with a clutch three-pointer and strong offensive plays, keeping the team’s momentum rolling. Deemter was relentless in the paint, scoring timely baskets and providing crucial rebounds. With a series of key stops, including offensive boards by Vaz and Aleman, the Kodiaks kept their opponents at bay. As the clock wound down, Blackmore’s additional three-pointer and Deemter’s timely layups helped extend the lead, while the defense shut down the opposition’s late attempts. In the final minutes, the Kodiaks sealed the win with solid free throw shooting from Power, securing a 64-56 victory.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #8 Bailey Blackmore
Oct. 25 MBB | Kodiaks 63 vs NAIT Ooks 98
In the first half, the Kodiaks struggled to find a rhythm, with Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) and Treyton Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) showing some flashes of offence. Degner was active on the boards and hit a couple of mid-range jump shots, while Barton also contributed with a few baskets, including a key jumper early in the second quarter. However, the Kodiaks' shooting was inconsistent, and they had difficulty converting on offence, while NAIT's perimeter shooting and fast breaks kept them in control. Despite some solid efforts from Degner and Barton, Lethbridge trailed 12-24 at the end of the first quarter and 30-54 at halftime.
In the second half, the Kodiaks were determined to close the gap, with West James (first year, Business Administration, Raymond) making a key impact shortly after entering the game. He contributed with a mid-range jumper and helped provide a spark for the team. Levi Balderson (first year, General Arts and Science, Welling, Alta.) also showed resilience, pulling down key rebounds and continuing to shoot from beyond the arc. Although Lethbridge's offensive momentum struggled at times, players like Degner and Karson Valgardson (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) remained active defensively, battling for boards and creating opportunities. Despite the efforts of these Kodiaks players, the NAIT Ooks' sharp shooting secured their win, making the final score 98-53.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #6 West James
Oct. 26 MBB | Kodiaks 72 at UAA Vikings 58
The Kodiaks took control early in the game, with standout performances from Cody Tollestrup (second year, General Arts and Science, Magrath), who contributed with both scoring and rebounding, and Barton, who was key on offense. Degner hit a crucial three-pointer, while Corey Banks (first year, Architectural Animation Technology, Canmore) and Valgardson also had strong moments, helping the team extend their lead. Rhett Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) provided an offensive spark with timely layups, and Balderson added depth to the bench. The Kodiaks' defence, with solid rebounding and fast breaks, ensured that they kept their advantage, closing the first half with a 32-21 lead.
The Kodiaks continued to build on their first-half momentum in the third quarter. Tollestrup had several key moments, contributing defensively with rebounds. Barton stepped up with important baskets, including a jump shot and a layup that helped extend the lead to 39-31. Lewis added a key three-pointer, and Valgardson had a couple of solid contributions. The Kodiaks were able to maintain their momentum and kept their lead as they finished the game with a 72-56 win over the Vikings.
Players of the Game:
LPK: #10 Ryan Degner