Ooks capture bronze medal at ACAC Women's Volleyball Championships

CAMROSE, Alta. — The NAIT Ooks secured the bronze medal at the ACAC Women's Volleyball Championships with a determined four-set victory over the Briercrest Clippers on Sunday. In a match defined by resilience and timely execution, the Ooks prevailed 3–1 (25–23, 22–25, 25–19, 25–20).

NAIT set the tone early behind a strong opening run from Racquel Lussier, Lexi Gedny, and Katie Nashim, building an 8–3 advantage. The Clippers applied pressure late, capitalizing on unforced errors to close the gap to 21–18. With the set hanging in the balance, Rachel Mallett delivered the finishing point as the Ooks took the opener 25–23.

The second set was tightly contested from start to finish, with both teams trading points in long rallies. Nashim showcased her volleyball IQ, finding open court for key scores, while Brynn Hardy anchored the Clippers' back-row defence. With the score knotted late, Briercrest surged ahead to claim the set 25–22 and even the match.

Briercrest jumped out to an early lead in the third, putting up a strong block to slow the Ooks' attack. NAIT responded with composure, regaining control through steady offence and improved net play. The momentum swing carried the Ooks to a convincing 25–19 set win.

With the bronze medal on the line, both teams battled point for point early, tied at 11–11. Nashim continued to lead the Ooks offensively, while Kacey Dale answered for the Clippers. NAIT pulled away late, dominating the closing stretch to reach the red zone with a 22–17 lead before sealing the match and the bronze medal with a 25–20 finish.

With the win, the NAIT Ooks close out the championship weekend on the podium, showcasing depth, determination, and clutch play when it mattered most.