The NAIT Ooks men's volleyball team heads to Keyano College this weekend for their quest at an ACAC Championship. The men ended their season, winning six of their last eight games, including last weekend, where the Ooks made quick work of Concordia Thunder to earn their spot in the Championship.
The Ooks kick things off Thursday at 1:00 p.m. versus the Lethbridge Kodiaks. The two clubs have met three times this season, once in league play and two exhibition stints early in the season. Lethbridge came away victorious in two. Kodiaks finished as the second seed in the South and was rewarded with a bye to the Championships. Kodiaks are entering this week as one of the hottest teams in the ACAC. They have won nine of their last ten games. Outside hitter Nolan Moes has been a significant piece to the Kodiak's success this season, averaging 3.23 Kills and 0.5 Aces per set; both are top five in the league.
Head Coach Jordan Taylor has been working with the team all year to try and get them to this position. One player that is standing out is outside Hitter, Carter Hills. He ranks third in kills per set, with 3.46, and second in aces per set.
"He is a gifted jumper and attacker, one of the country's top spike servers," said Taylor.
The Ooks' second game of the weekend will be determined by win/loss. The club will face either the King's Eagles or Briercrest Clippers—two clubs they have familiarity playing. The Eagles and Ooks split their two meetings with each other, while the Clippers came out on top in their lone match.
Taylor wants his club to cherish the opportunity to compete in Conference Championships, but he has high expectations for his team and believes they have a great chance at success.
"Championships are an exciting time every year. The league is very deep this year, with all eight teams capable of winning it all. We are thrilled to be in the mix in such a strong year of Volleyball," said Taylor.
NAIT struggled on the road this season. Only four of their 12 wins came away from the NAIT Gymnasium. Taylor doesn't believe it will affect his club to play on the road for the Championship.
"Seven of the eight teams will be in the same situation playing on the road at Keyano, so no excuses. It was nice to play there already in November, so our players are familiar with their gym," said Taylor.
The Ooks have been without all-stars Karter Godin and Shae McIntyre, who have been sidelined since January. Both student-athletes have been getting healthy, and Taylor isn't ruling out the possibility of a return for either player.
"If they can return this weekend and shake off the rust early, it will be a massive addition to our team and bolster our chances to reach the podium," said Taylor.
All Championship games will be streamed on ACACTV or Telus Optik channel 1998. Continue to check the schedule for updates on game times and opponents.