Weekend Recap: Kodiaks close out the first half of play with wins

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks finished first semester action this past weekend with both basketball and volleyball teams coming up with wins against the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder (CUE).

Women’s basketball:

Nov. 29 WBB | Kodiaks 73 vs Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder 66

The Kodiaks struggled to find their rhythm in the opening quarter, trailing early. The team missed shots and had some unforced turnovers. Despite these early challenges, they were able to chip away at the deficit. Bailey Blackmore's (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) free throws cut the gap, and they stayed within range. The Kodiaks' defence, led by strong rebounding from Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) helped limit Concordia’s scoring, but a few missed opportunities on offence left them behind. By the end of the quarter, the Kodiaks were down 21-14. The Kodiaks came out more aggressive in the second quarter, cutting into the Thunder’s lead. Lethbridge's defence was sharper as they forced turnovers and grabbed key rebounds, including several from Courtney Deemter (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary). Heading into halftime, the Kodiaks had clawed their way to a 39-32 advantage.

The Kodiaks came out strong in the third quarter, with defence being the key early, with Halle Aleman (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) forcing a steal and the team generating turnovers. However, the momentum was shaky, as a few missed shots and turnovers allowed the Thunder to get back within striking distance. Chase Wells-Creighton (first year, Exercise Science, Stand Off, Alta.) was an immediate presence on the boards, securing offensive rebounds to keep the momentum flowing. The Kodiaks held their ground and finished the quarter with a slight 46-42 advantage. The Kodiaks kept the pressure on in the final quarter, maintaining a steady lead through smart defensive play and timely scoring. Blackmore was instrumental early, knocking down free throws and helping extend the lead. However, Concordia fought back to tie the score at 63. The Kodiaks stayed calm and battled back to take the lead and didn’t look back as they were able to close out the game with a 73-66 win over the Thunder.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #8 Courtney Deemter

CUE: #8 Chloe Sutherland

Men’s basketball:

Nov. 29 MBB | Kodiaks 76 vs Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder 66

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s basketball team started the game strong with Treyden Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) scoring the first points of the game with a quick layup. The team rallied behind key contributions from Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), who worked hard on both the boards and in transition. Despite some turnovers and missed shots, the Kodiaks were able to capitalize on the Thunder's mistakes, getting steals and securing rebounds. By the end of the quarter, they had pushed their lead to 19-12, thanks to a final three-point shot by Barton. The Kodiaks continued to battle in the second quarter, with Levi Balderson (first year, General Arts and Science, Welling, Alta.) stepping up to make some important shots early. The team was more aggressive, with Coleson Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) providing some steals that pushed the lead back in Lethbridge’s favour. Despite a strong defensive presence, including multiple rebounds from Jackson Wright (second year, Business Administration, Claresholm), Lethbridge struggled with offensive consistency. The Kodiaks' resilience shone through as they capitalized on turnovers, with Wright and Lake contributing to the offence with fast breaks and baskets. As the quarter wound down, the Kodiaks found themselves down 34-30.

The Kodiaks came out of halftime with a strong defensive and aggressive play. Barton hit a key jumper early to help cut the deficit, and Balderson followed up with a three-pointer to give the Kodiaks a 57-50 lead. The Kodiaks defence created several turnovers, and capitalized on threes that helped grow their lead with the quarter ending 55-50. Lethbridge kept their foot on the gas in the fourth quarter. Some plays by Barton and Rhett Lewis (second year, General Arts and Science, Cardston) added to the lead. While Concordia made a late attempt to cut into the deficit, the Kodiaks answered each challenge. Barton and Degner worked the boards effectively and, as the clock ticked down, Wright added another jumper to keep the momentum on the Kodiaks' side. The Kodiaks were able to seal the win, 76-66.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #14 Jackson Wright

CUE: #8 O’Ryan Wallace

Women’s volleyball:

Nov. 29 WVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder 1

Friday evening's women’s volleyball match between the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks and Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder was a hard-fought contest that ended with the Kodiaks securing a 3-1 victory. Lethbridge came out strong, winning the first two sets 25-15 and 25-21, showing great teamwork and consistency in both offence and defence. In the third set, the Thunder responded with a 25-21 win, making the match more competitive. However, the Kodiaks regained control in the fourth set, closing out the match with a 25-23 win to seal the 3-1 victory.

Kourtney Serfas (second year, Bachelor of Nursing, Turin, Alta.) played a key role in the Kodiaks’ success, leading the team with 12 kills and adding nine digs, demonstrating her all-around skills. Aideena Wickstrom (fifth year, Exercise Science, Coaldale) was another standout, contributing nine kills and 14 digs. Kodiaks libero Reanna Gage (second year, Exercise Science, Hamiota, Man.) led the team’s defensive efforts which was critical to the win.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #11 Reanna Gage

CUE: #12 Caitlin Wylie

Men’s volleyball:

Nov. 29 MVB | Kodiaks 3 vs Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder 0

The men’s volleyball matchup between the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks and Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder featured a dominant performance by the Kodiaks, as they swept their opponents 3-0. Lethbridge came out strong, taking the first set 25-17 with a well-rounded offensive attack and solid defence. The Kodiaks continued to build momentum in the second set, winning 25-22, despite a late surge from the Thunder. The Kodiaks closed out the match with another commanding 25-20 win in the third set, clinching the sweep.

Nolan Moes (fifth year, Natural Resource Compliance, Barrhead, Alta.) was a standout player for the Kodiaks, delivering a stellar performance with 14 kills and three digs, playing a key role in both the offence and defence. Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.) also had a strong outing, contributing seven kills and three digs, The Kodiaks’ defensive effort was crucial, as they limited the Thunder's offensive options and maintained control throughout the match.

Players of the Game:

LPK: #14 Nolan Moes

CUE: #9 Alexi Dufour

Kodiaks basketball action resumes Jan. 10 at home to face Red Deer Polytechnic. Kodiaks volleyball teams start the new year on the road but will be back at the Val Matteotti Gymnasium Jan. 18 to play SAIT.