Weekend Recap: Kodiaks deliver a strong showing across all sports

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks had a competitive weekend against tough teams. The women’s soccer team had a strong showing, picking up two wins and upsetting the national hosts Red Deer Queens. The men’s soccer team split their weekend games, while the cross-country men’s team came in second overall and the women finished fourth overall in their fourth grand prix of the season hosted by the University of Alberta – Augustana.

Oct. 4 WSOC | Kodiaks 2 at RDP Queens 1

The Kodiaks set the tone early in a tightly contested first half against Red Deer Polytechnic, showing composure and defensive strength. Despite facing five shots on goal from Red Deer, goalkeeper Kiara Jankowiak (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) stood tall, keeping the match scoreless until the Kodiaks broke through in the 42nd minute. Megan Morrison (fifth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Medicine Hat) scored off a pass from Jayna Timinski (fifth year, Child and Youth Care, Calgary) from the top of the box to give Lethbridge the 1–0 lead heading into halftime. Red Deer pressed hard with multiple set pieces, but Lethbridge’s defensive unit held strong to keep the advantage going into the second half.

Red Deer Polytechnic came out strong after the break, tying the game in the 52nd minute. The match continued at a high tempo with both teams trading possession and creating opportunities. Lethbridge regained control late in the half when Alexis Bradford (fourth year, Open Studies, Abbotsford, B.C.) converted a pass from Hannah Bradford (second year, General Arts and Science, Abbotsford, B.C.) in the 78th minute to restore the lead. Red Deer continued to press forward but was repeatedly denied by Jankowiak, who finished the match with nine saves. The Kodiaks maintained their composure to close out a 2–1 victory, earning a hard-fought three points.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #26 Alexis Bradford

Oct. 5 WSOC | Kodiaks 3 at OC Broncos 0

Lethbridge Polytechnic wasted no time taking control of the match against Olds College, striking early and setting the tempo for a dominant first half. Just two minutes in, Morrison opened the scoring, finishing a well-timed pass from Jadyn Hoy (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) to give the Kodiaks the 1–0 advantage. Morrison doubled the lead in the 11th minute, capitalizing from her interception. Lethbridge maintained consistent offensive pressure throughout the half, outshooting Olds 6–0 and keeping the Broncos pinned deep in their own end. The Kodiaks’ midfield, led by Khloe Jankowiak (third year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge), controlled possession and dictated the pace, allowing Lethbridge to head into halftime comfortably ahead 2–0.

The Kodiaks continued their pressure after the break, refusing to let up on either end of the pitch. In the 68th minute, Sophie DeMarsh (second year, Criminal Justice – Corrections, Lethbridge) extended the lead to 3–0 after connecting on a pass from Samantha Demchuk (fifth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Whitehorse), sealing a well-rounded offensive performance for Lethbridge. Defensively, goalkeeper Paityn Lake (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Nelson, B.C.) turned aside the lone shot she faced to secure the clean sheet. Lethbridge’s balance of sharp finishing and disciplined defending carried them to a convincing 3–0 victory.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #3 Megan Morrison 

Oct. 4 MSOC | Kodiaks 1 at RDP Kings 2

The Kodiaks and Red Deer Polytechnic Kings battled through a physical and tightly contested first half and neither side was able to find a breakthrough. Both teams traded limited scoring chances as midfield play dominated much of the opening 45 minutes. Lethbridge’s defensive unit, led by Lazlo Lorenzo (first year, General Arts and Science, Nelson, B.C.) and Robert McKinstry (second year, Business Administration - Management, Lethbridge), kept Red Deer’s attack contained before the half came to an end.

The second half opened with renewed energy from Lethbridge, and it paid off quickly. In the 47th minute, Orien Domin (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Sparwood, B.C.) capitalized on a setup from Moe Huska (first year, General Arts and Science - Kinesiology Certificate, Cranbrook, B.C.) to give the Kodiaks a 1–0 advantage. However, Red Deer responded with sustained pressure and found the equalizer in the 65th minute. The Kings would strike again in the 85th minute to complete the comeback and secure a 2–1 win for the Kings.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #6 Moe Huska

Oct. 5 MSOC | Kodiaks 3 at OC Broncos 0

The Kodiaks and the Olds College Broncos had a defensive battle through the opening half, with neither side able to break through despite several promising buildups. The Kodiaks controlled much of the possession, working the ball effectively through midfielders Huska and Cristobal Jacob Pares (first year, Civil Engineering Technology, Nelson, B.C.), while forwards Domin and Ya-Sin Benbrik (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) generated consistent attacking pressure. Olds College struggled to create scoring chances, limited to just a few efforts that were comfortably handled by goalkeeper Tristan Martin (second year, General Arts and Science, Whitehorse).

The Kodiaks came alive after the break, delivering an impressive second-half performance that showcased their depth and creativity. In the 51st minute, defender Lorenzo opened the scoring, finishing a setup from Pares to give Lethbridge the lead. The momentum carried through as Aiden Lewko (second year, Digital Communications and Media, Lethbridge) extended the advantage in the 80th minute off a feed from Alex Moroszczuk (second year, Electrician Apprenticeship, Edmonton), and Benbrik sealed the 3–0 win just six minutes later with his own goal assisted again by Pares. Defensively, Lethbridge remained rock solid as Martin turned recorded a shutout to seal the win.

ACAC Player of the Match

LPK: #26 Ya-Sin Benbrik

Oct. 4 XC | ACAC Running Room Grand Prix #4 | hosted by UAA

The Kodiaks finished their regular season strong in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Running Room Grand Prix #4 this past weekend in Camrose. The men’s team’s second overall finish was led by Conner Van Den Hoek (third year, Business Administration - Management, Fort Macleod) who finished in sixth place, running the eight-kilometre race in 29:25. 

The Kodiaks women’s team finished fourth overall as Katrina Michel (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Okotoks) led the way, finishing in 11^th place and running six kilometres in 26:39.

The team will have a few weeks of preparation before competing at ACAC Championships on Oct. 25 in Grande Prairie.