Lions Swept By Kodiaks

In what was a frustrating weekend for the Ambrose Lions Men's Volleyball team, they found themselves unable to crack the armor of the Lethbridge Kodiaks and lost both matches in straight sets. Dealing with injuries and a flu that has made its way through much of the Calgarian populace, Coach Armbruster searched his lineup for healthy bodies and had to play several athletes in unusual positions.

            The Lions let the visiting team jump out to an early 7-2 lead thanks to a Dax Whitehead serving run, and the Kodiaks didn't let that lead slip away. The Lions picked up their play after that initial run, anchored in the defense by POG Logan Sept (11 digs), but it wasn't enough to come back. The first set ended at 25-19 after a kill out of the middle by Michael Hummel.

            Despite the additions of Nolan Ens and Brodie Juul-Hansen in the middle this semester, the Lions leftsides found themselves short-staffed and relied on the efforts of Keaton Strom and Adrian Strandberg. Strandberg, still recovering from a surgery on his left hand, found a way to score 5 kills along with 2 digs and a one-handed stuff block. Unfortunately the Kodiaks were too solid down the stretch, and the second set quickly finished at 25-16.

            The final set, although more encouraging for the home team, still saw the Kodiaks stretch out a gradual, comfortable lead until finishing the game at 25-19. Lethbridge Player of the Game, 2nd year setter Zach Wikenheiser, provided 18 assists to go with 9 digs and 1 block on the match.

            The Lions will revisit their old ACAL rivals, the Olds Broncos, next weekend. The men will play at 8:00 pm (following the women's game) Friday night in Calgary and Saturday night in Olds.

- Brent Ingram