Posted: Feb 16, 2018
MVB | Kodiaks One Step Closer to Playoff Birth
Feb. 16, 2018 – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's volleyball team are in control of their own destiny, but now can't afford any missteps in their regular season finale.
Facing a winless yet ultra-scrappy Olds Broncos team in their final weekend series of the season, the Kodiaks got off on the right foot by taking a much needed straight-sets win on Friday night.
The math is now simple. Win tomorrow, and they clinch second place in the ACAC south division.
Lose, and they likely won't make the postseason at all.
Despite the three-set sweep, it won't be a match the Kodiaks look back on fondly. They looked jittery out of the gate but were able to rally and rely on their solid defence to take set one, aided by taking six of the last eight points.
Lethbridge seemed to settle in during set two, racing out to an 8-3 lead before building it to 19-12. Again, a late set run of stifling defence and smart offensive plays helped the Kodiaks seal the set.
It was a different story in the third stanza, as the Broncos gave Lethbridge everything they had. Sloppy play from the home town side helped Olds build a lead of 19-16 before Lethbridge scratched and clawed their way back to tie the game at 25-25.
After staving off two Bronco set-point attempts, the Kodiaks finally converted on a match-point opportunity of their own when Lucas Dykstra and Carter Hansen delivered a huge match-ended denial at the net for a 29-27 win.
Kodiaks veteran Dax Whitehead once again raised his game to a new level, striking for 12 kills and hitting for an efficient .429 percentage. Carter Hansen added six digs and Marcus Biescheuvel added 24 assists at setter.
Matt Primrose was named Kodiaks player of the game after a gutsy performance at libero.
For Olds, Tyson Deschene led the way offensively with 12 kills while Jesse Stoddart added 11 of his own.
The two teams will conclude the regular season tomorrow afternoon, with first serve set for 3 p.m. from the Val Matteotti Gym. The Kodiaks need to win to secure their ACAC conference championship spot, while the Broncos will look to play spoiler and grab their first win of the season.
Players of the Game:
Broncos - #6 Lane Matthews
Kodiaks - #13 Matthew Primrose