MVB | The Kodiaks End the Regular Season Ready for Playoffs

Feb. 22, 2020 – The Kodiaks were back in action in the Val Matteotti gymnasium against the ACAC South first place team, the Briercrest Clippers for the second game of the weekend.

With a lot of to prove for both teams, the Kodiaks came out nearly point-for-point with the Clippers through the set. Clippers were determined on their power sides as Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman were a powerhouse for Briercrest throughout the first. The Kodiaks kept up though and did not let the Clippers take a significant lead.

The change of pace proved to be exactly what the Kodiaks needed to tie up the set 21-21, but the Clippers gave them a run of their money. The Kodiaks called a timeout down 25-24, and were able to turn it around and tie the game. Going point for point until 25-25. The Clippers stole a point and were able to take the first set 27-25.

Seeking a fast redemption, the Kodiaks came out determined in the second set, quickly taking a two-point gap. However, the Clippers and their power line upfront took advantage of the Kodiaks whenever they could, they went on to take the lead 9-5.  Clippers Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman laid down some big kills to tighten the extend their lead, but the Kodiaks came back through a couple kills from Carter Hansen and a massive block from Michael Svab.

The score would remain 16-16 until Svab killed it at the right side of the court to give Lethbridge back the lead. Going point for point, the Kodiaks took advantage of the serving errors Briercrest committed and took a three-point lead. The Kodiaks maintained control of the set to claim a 25-21 win and tie up the match 1-1.

A terrific start to the third set gave the Kodiaks a 5-2 lead with Carter Hansen laying down 3 kills and Malcom Fisher making key digs to keep the Kodiaks rallying. The Clippers, however, would fight back with excellent kills by Coleman and Ward. The score would be 9-7. Mid-way through the set, Kodiaks Jeremiah Bohnert had a fantastic kill and block to put the Kodiaks up 13-11.

This gave that boost the Kodiaks were looking for to maintain their lead. With a series of huge blocks, the Clippers called timeout. However, the Kodiaks had other plans. Michael Hummel came up big with two back to back aces to increase the lead.  Lethbridge never looked back as they kept their consistent set, Bohnert came up with another huge kill to force a Briercrest timeout. The Kodiaks were up 21-12. The score of the third set ended up being 25-16 for Lethbridge.

As Lethbridge turned the score around, they looked to get it done in the fourth set to secure first place in the South division going into playoffs. On the other hand, it was clear that the Clippers did not want to go home yet. Coleman brought the Clippers some life after two intense kills. They were down by two points.

The Kodiaks quickly managed to regain their momentum with a series of huge kills from Bohnert and Hansen, forcing a Clippers timeout. Michael Svab pumped up the crowd with a huge block to put the Kodiaks up 13-8. Lethbridge did not back down as they went on a run and eventually taking the set 25-16. Clippers fell to the Kodiaks 3-1.

The Kodiaks record makes it 20-4 while the Clippers fall to 14-10 in the season. The Kodiaks will host the ACAC Championships in the Val Matteotti gymnasium running Feb. 27-29, 2020.

Player of the Game:

Kodiaks– #8 Michael Hummel, #18 Carter Hansen

Clippers – #7 TJ Ward