WVB| Kodiaks Fall after a Nail-Biting Match Against the Trojans
January 7th, 2023- Kodiaks jumped into their first home action of 2023 against their rivals the SAIT Trojans, hoping to start off the second semester with a bang.
The Kodiaks took full control of the first set gaining 5 points against the Trojans; nevertheless, the Trojans were quick to find their footing and surpassed the score of the Kodiaks; which forced Kodiaks head coach, Anna Schwark to call a time-out. The score was consistently close throughout the set as both teams gained 25 points, it was only until the Trojans' outside hitter hit the ball right onto the Kodiaks' side of the court that solidified their 27-25 set win.
Both teams continued to hold their ground as the score was consistently neck n neck. The fans sat at the edge of their seats as they watched their team struggle to take control of the other. Kodiaks managed to gain a slight lead against the Trojans causing their coach, Chantelle LaMotte, to call a time-out in an attempt to wrangle control of the match. Kodiaks outside Jamie Brown had a large impact throughout the set gaining four kills and winning the final point by blocking the Trojans' attack, with a score of 25-22.
Trojans started off strong jumping ahead with a lead after capitalizing on some mistakes from the Kodiaks. They continued that energy throughout the set and kept a good point spread approaching the end. Former Kodiak #6 Leanne Arnott was integral to the Trojans' success in the third set with 3 kills and 4 digs to bring her totals for the game up to 8 kills, 9 digs, and a block. Trojans took the 3rd set with ease with a score of 25-16.
Nerves were high headed into the fourth set as the Kodiaks knew they needed to win this or they had no chance at winning the game. It was a slow start for the Kodiaks with their first 2 serves going right into the net; however, they managed to advance against the Trojans with a 10-point lead. Even though the Kodiaks carried the leading score the Trojans were not going down without a fight shown by the intensity of their rallies; however, the Kodiaks were too far ahead as they closed out the set with a score of 25-16 Kodiaks.
Intensity ran high headed into the fifth and final set. The Trojans took control early into the set rattling the Kodiaks' momentum; however, the Kodiaks managed to overcome their train of thought matching the score of the Trojans. Although the Kodiaks fought hard it was not enough to overcome the momentum of the Trojans. The Trojans closed out the game with a score of 15-13.
Players of the Game:
Trojans: #19 Payton Van Driesten
Kodiaks: #16 Elyse Doble