Weekend Preview: Packed weekend ahead for Kodiaks

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks have a busy schedule this weekend as three teams are at home. 

Tonight, the volleyball teams will open the second half of their season against the Ambrose University Lions. The women play at 6 p.m. followed by the men's match at 8 p.m. As an added bonus, the Kodiaks Association will be giving free snacks to fans.

Kodiaks basketball is on the road tonight, also playing the Lions, with games at 6 and 8 p.m.

Kodiaks Futsal starts the season at home tomorrow afternoon. Games are part of the first regional for the south division of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) that will continue in tournament format on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Medicine Hat College. The Kodiaks will host the Medicine Hat College Rattlers with the women kicking off at noon followed by the men's match at 1:30 p.m.

The action continues tomorrow evening as Kodiaks basketball returns home to host the Lions with the women playing first at 6 p.m. followed by the men's tip-off at 8 p.m. 

Volleyball flips and finishes out their home-and-home series at the Lions' gym with games at 6 and 8 p.m. 

Volleyball
WVB Kodiaks (1-8) vs AMB Lions (6-6)

Friday, Jan. 16 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6 p.m. | at Ambrose University

The Kodiaks women's volleyball team starts their second semester push this weekend as they play in a home-and-home series against the Ambrose University Lions. The Lions currently sit in the middle of the pack in the south division. The Kodiaks participated in an exhibition tournament over the break where they got some chances for quality matches as they look to pick up their second win of their season. The team will need to rely on a strong connection between setter Reese Hanusich (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Red Deer) and hitters Robyn Austin (second year, Business Administration, Lethbridge) and Emma Blumenschein (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) to spread out the offense and open opportunities for more shot selections. 

MVB Kodiaks (7-2) vs AMB Lions (6-6)

Friday, Jan. 16 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6 p.m. | at Ambrose University

Kodiaks men's volleyball has a chance to possibly move up a spot in the rankings as they currently sit third in the south close behind Red Deer and Briercrest who also play two games against each other this weekend. Lethbridge is currently ranked fifth overall in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and has players among the conference's top five statistical leaders: Cameron Marshall (third year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Adelaide, South Australia) kills per set – 3.40; Ben Dyck (third year, Agricultural Sciences, Coaldale) service aces per set – 0.55; and Ben St. Pierre (fifth year, Open Studies, Red Deer) assists per set – 7.92. The Kodiaks are entering the second half of their season with some renewed energy and a push to clinch a playoff spot.  

Basketball
WBB Kodiaks (4-7) vs AMB Lions (6-6)

Friday, Jan. 16 | 6 p.m. | at Ambrose University

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks women's basketball team is looking to bounce back this weekend as they match up against the fourth-ranked team in the south division, the Ambrose University Lions. The Kodiaks showed a lot of potential and fight during the second half of their game against the St. Mary's University Lightning last weekend. Zoe Michelson (first year, General Arts and Science, Stirling) has turned up the offensive pressure in the last few conference games. Gaby Power(fourth year, Early Childhood Education, Calgary) is another key piece for the Kodiaks in these upcoming matches as she has been a consistent playmaker for the team, leading in assists.

MBB Kodiaks (8-3) vs AMB Lions (6-6)

Friday, Jan. 16 | 8 p.m. | at Ambrose University

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 8 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men's basketball team is sitting in a good spot going into this matchup as they are nationally ranked 11th overall in the CCAA. However, they can't take their foot off the gas as they push for a playoff spot. The Kodiaks are looking to expand on their four-game win-streak as they take on the Lions in a home-and-home series. Lethbridge will look to West James (second year, Plumber Apprenticeship, Raymond) to go to work as he was named Kodiaks Athlete of the Week after a career-high performance against St. Mary's University Lightning last weekend. Another key player in the Kodiaks lineup is Nathaniel Hosanna (second year, Business Administration, Tacoma, Wash.) as he consistently makes big plays that change the energy of games.

Futsal

WFUT Kodiaks (0-0) vs MHC Rattlers (0-0)

Saturday, Jan. 17 | Noon | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women's futsal team heads into the new season with a veteran roster and a clear goal of building on the success of previous years. With new regional formats placing added importance on every match, the Kodiaks understand the need to be sharp from the opening whistle. 

"Our main focus this season is to build on the success of previous years," says Kodiaks head coach Mike Racz. "We have a lot of experience in the group and that should really help us take advantage of key moments in games."

A key part of that experience comes from the impact of the Jankowiak sisters, who are expected to play pivotal roles throughout the season. In goal, Kiara Jankowiak (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) provides the confidence that allows the Kodiaks to play an aggressive, attacking style. On the other side, Khloe Jankowiak (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) drives the team's tempo and offensive creativity.

The Kodiaks will also lean on the leadership of four student-athletes in their final year: Megan Morrison (Bachelor of Nursing, Medicine Hat); Sammy Demchuk (Bachelor of Nursing, Whitehorse); Ana Waurynchuk (Interior Design Technology, Cranbrook, B.C.); and Jayna Timinski (Child and Youth Care, Calgary). "They have been playing futsal longer than I have been coaching it," Racz says. "We will be looking to them to set the standard for intensity and professionalism, especially in big moments."

In preparation for the season, the team has emphasized structure, decision-making, and sharpness in game-defining moments. Racz says the group has embraced the focus and intensity required to compete, positioning the Kodiaks to be ready when those key moments arrive.

MFUT Kodiaks (0-0) vs MHC Rattlers (0-0)

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 1:30 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men's futsal team enters the season focused on returning to the ACAC Futsal Championships in March, with lessons learned from a year ago shaping their approach. Head coach Mike Racz says consistency will be the key as the team looks to take the next step. "Last season showed us that we need to not take any games lightly. We have the quality in the group and now it is about learning from our mistakes and bringing the right mindset into every match."

Several players are expected to play significant roles for the Kodiaks, starting with Moe Huska (first year, General Arts and Science – Kinesiology Certificate, Cranbrook, B.C.), whose two-way impact sets the tone. He gets the Kodiaks' attack started and also gives the team strength defensively, which makes him tough for opponents to deal with. Cristobal Jacob Pares (first year, Civil Engineering Technology, Nelson, B.C.) is another player to watch, as he brings creativity and vision in the attacking half. Racz says he believes Jacob Pares is ready to make an impact at the ACAC level, noting his ability to unlock defenses and influence the game.

Another name to keep an eye on is Ya Sin Benbrik (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge), who Racz views as a potential breakout player this season. "Ya Sin Benbrik is my sleeper pick this year," he says. "He has spent a lot of time developing his game at the Orion Sports Training Facility and I think his skill set has the potential to cause some real problems for opposing defenders."

Preparation has been a major focus in training, with an emphasis on tactical understanding and game awareness. "Training has been very tactical so far," Racz says. "We have spent a lot of time on our magnetic formation board going over shape, movement and game situations." 

He also credits assistant coaches Mark Meerkerk and Barilemelo Ipaa for their support, noting their perspectives have helped strengthen the team's preparation. With a strong focus on teaching the game and improving decision-making, the Kodiaks believe they are building the foundation needed to compete consistently when it matters most.