WVB| Kodiaks Secure Spot at Championships After Sweeping Medicine Hat Rattlers

February 17, 2023 – The Highway 3 rivalry came together for one final clash as the Medicine Hat Rattler and Lethbridge College Kodiaks looked to keep their seasons alive as they battled it out in their play-in match to determine who would qualify for championships and who's season would come to an end.

The Kodiaks had no trouble getting things rolling in the 1^st set. After the Rattlers claimed the opening point, it turned into the Kodiaks game as Medicine Hat was struggling against the striking power of Kodiaks Jamie Brown who had 5 kills in the set, and the blocking abilities of Eryka Woods who had 2 blocks which played a significant factor in the Kodiaks 1^st set success taking it 25-12.

The Kodiaks picked up right where they left off as they headed into the 2^nd set still, with complete control of the game. The Rattlers continuously looked for a way to get back into the game, and they had some good bounces go their way, however, they were unable to build any momentum which allowed Lethbridge to keep growing their lead which resulted in a 2^nd set victory taking it by a score of 25-18 and 1 more set away from advancing to championships.

Medicine Hat gave the Kodiaks a run for their money throughout the 3^rd set keeping the score very tight with lead changes and right as the Rattlers had to give it their all to keep their season alive. The Rattlers called a timeout at the midpoint of the set to try and sort out a plan of action to jump ahead and push the game to a 4^th set, but the Kodiaks were the ones that benefitted from the timeout as they were able to jump ahead and build themselves a lead late in the set as Kodiaks Mack Lewicki and Jamie Brown continued to dominate combing for 7 kills to help give Lethbridge that last burst to secure a spot at championships taking the 3^rd set 25-16 and the sweep over the Rattlers.

Player of The Game:

Rattlers|#2 Emily Berringer

Kodiaks|#8 Shane Fowlie