WVB | Kodiaks Capture Emotional Win for Emmalee

Oct 13, 2017 – After an emotional tribute to a teammate taken far too soon, the Kodiaks women's volleyball team stormed out of the gates, faltered, then regrouped and held on for a thrilling 3-2 season opening win over rival Medicine Hat College.

The evening started with a tribute to Emmalee Cherweniuk, the Kodiaks women's volleyball player who was tragically killed in a car accident in March following the conclusion of her rookie season. During the ceremony, Emmalee's father addressed the crowd with a stirring tribute to her life. Then, surrounded by her teammates, Emmalee's sister Sianna helped her parents unveil a new memorial banner that will permanently overlook the Kodiaks home court.

With raw emotions still whirling throughout a packed Val Matteotti Gymnasium, the Kodiaks played truly inspired volleyball while jumping out to a 2-0 set lead.

Both teams battled point-for-point to start the match, until midway when the Rattlers pulled ahead for a 20-16 lead. The Kodiaks buckled down and fought their way back to take a 25-22 victory that was guided by the eventual player of the game, Jamie Brown. Making her rookie debut, Brown delivered an impressive showing, being a team leader in kills and performing strong from behind the line.

The Kodiaks grabbed an early lead in the second set, guided by the leadership of team captain Kristin Ward. Ward put away four kills early on and had a service ace. Medicine Hat's Amber Stigter fought back with three kills of her own, but the Kodiaks held on for a 25-17 win.

The Rattlers were not to be done in easily, however, and came out strong in the third set with six kills from Stigter. Kodiaks Sienna Cherweniuk defended the court impressively for the Kodiaks with an impressive eight digs, but the Rattlers were too much in claiming a 25-20 set win to stay alive.

The Rattlers extended the match futher with a 27-25 win in set four. Lethbridge's Laura Serafini came out swinging for the Kodiaks with four kills in the fourth set, but the Rattlers' Shayla Suchy equally up to the task with six digs of her own. Grace Porter, Medicine Hat's eventual player of the game, put up three kills to help her team force a fifth and deciding set.

Despite getting down early, the Kodiaks were not to be denied on Emmalee's night. Brown dominated the final set for Lethbridge with three kills and two outstanding blocks, showing great chemistry with fourth-year setter Ashleigh Noel. Porter put up four digs defensively for Medicine Hat but the Rattlers offence could not keep pace with the Kodiaks, who took the set 15-10 to win the match 3-2.

The Kodiaks (1-0) will now travel to Medicine Hat tomorrow night for a rematch with the Rattlers, with first serve set for 6 p.m. from the Snake Pit.

Players of the Game:

Rattlers – #18 Grace Porter 6 Kills, 9 Digs, 5 Sets Played
Kodiaks – #2 Jamie Brown 10 Kills, 3 Digs, 5 Sets Played