This weekend, the NAIT Ooks felt the adrenaline and intensity. In case you missed it, here is your recap.
Men's Basketball
The men's basketball team faced the University of Alberta Augustana on Friday, November 21, and secured a victory with a final score of 87-68, powered by efficient shooting and balanced team play. Serhat Chen led the way and team strategy, scoring 22 points and helping his teammates with six assists. Patrick Fisher worked hard, grabbing 10 rebounds to keep the Ooks in control. The Ooks also counted on amazing assistance from the reserves. Aaron Snaterse hit two big threes, and Nathan Saldo scored nine points. In the second half, the NAIT Ooks pulled away by playing tough defence and moving the ball skilfully, winning the third and fourth quarters by a wide margin. With this win, the team improved to 8–1 and showed once again how solid they are.
Women's Basketball
The women's basketball team faced the undefeated UAA Vikings women's basketball team. The NAIT Ooks battled consistently and nonstop, but unfortunately lost a heartbreakingly close game 67–66 to Augustana. Payton Neilson led the team with 24 points, attacking the opposing team throughout the game and keeping the Ooks within reach. Dior Sellars gave a big boost from the outside, hitting four threes and finishing with 15 points. From the reserves, Laila Wright was strong on the boards, grabbing 12 rebounds and adding 9 points to help the team stay competitive. The Ooks held a small lead after three quarters thanks to solid defence and good ball movement, but Augustana made a late push in the fourth. Despite the tough finish, the women's basketball team showed huge energy, strong teamwork, and resilience throughout the match.
Men's Hockey
On Friday, the men's hockey team worked hard but fell 6–2 to SAIT. Cole Fisher scored early in the first period, putting the NAIT Ooks up 1–0 after a nice setup from Jack Clarke and Brophy Dunne. In the third period, Ty Whitford scored on the power play, with Josh Medernach and Avery Trotter helping move the puck to set up the goal. Goalie McCoy Bidewell made several strong saves, stopping 31 shots to keep the team in the game. They had good chances throughout the night and battled until the end, but SAIT took more opportunities and pulled away in the end.
On Saturday, they faced the Trojans again on the road. The NAIT Ooks showed good strategy and fight but came up short in a 6–4 loss. After falling behind early, NAIT got on the board with a short-handed goal by Sean Mitchell, set up by Brophy Dunne. In the second period, Ethan Leyer scored on his own, cutting into SAIT's lead. The NAIT Ooks pushed back hard in the third, with Tristan Taylor scoring and Drae Gardiner adding a power-play goal on top from a pass from Josh Medernach. NAIT outshot SAIT 31–20 and created steady pressure, especially in the final period. Even though the comeback fell short, the Ooks showed strong effort, stayed aggressive, and kept battling to the end.
Women's Hockey
On Thursday, November 20, NAIT had a huge third-period comeback and beat Olds College 5–1. After two quiet periods with no scoring, Olds scored first early in the third. NAIT answered back quickly and took over the game. Abby Robar started the comeback with a power-play goal, set up by Maria Ayre and Madison Teague. Just two minutes later, Chloe Higgins scored to give the Ooks the lead. They kept the pressure going, with Maria Ayre scoring next after a pass from Allison McGregor. On top of that, McGregor then added her own goal, helped by Julianne Crozierand Hanna Paquette. To finish the night, Hanna Paquette scored on the power play, with Madison Teagueand Brielle Banton picking up assists. In the defence, Jorja Imrie was strong in net, stopping 20 of 21 shots, supporting the team hugely.
They came back home on Saturday to take on Olds again, gaining a second victory, 3-1. After a scoreless first period, NAIT took the lead in the second when Maria Ayre scored off a pass from Claire Laplante and Greir Slabaida. Early in the third, Allison McGregor made it 2–0 after a setup from Maria Ayre and Madison Teague. Olds scored a power-play goal midway through the period to cut the lead, but the NAIT Ooks kept control. Late in the game, Maria Ayrescored her second goal of the night with help from Chloe Higgins and Callie Dach, sealing the 3–1 win. The defence was also crucial, with goalie Aurora Van Wormer being excellent, stopping 27 of 28 shots. The Ooks played with good pace and pressure, earning a solid home victory.
Men's Curling Team
NAIT had an excellent weekend, finishing with a perfect 5–0 record. They came out strong and found ways to win in every game. The Ooks started by beating Concordia 9–8 in a very close, high-scoring game. They followed that with a tight 3–2 win over Red Deer, showing good discipline and defence. NAIT kept the momentum going with a 6–4 victory over Lakeland, using their speed and pressure to pull ahead. One of their biggest wins came against SAIT, where NAIT battled hard and came out on top 6–5 in another close game. They finished the weekend in style, defeating UAA 9–1, showing complete control from start to finish.
Women's Curling Team
NAIT had a hard weekend and finished with a 0–6 record. Even though they played with effort, they couldn't come out on top in any of their games. The Ooks stayed competitive in several close matchups. They were right there against Lakeland (5–7), Red Deer (5–10), Concordia (5–7), Portage (5–6), and UAA (5–6), showing they could create chances and keep games close. Their most challenging game came against SAIT, where they fell 0–8. The team battled each draw and gained experience that they can build on moving forward.
Mixed Curling Team
The mixed team had a strong weekend, finishing with a 3–1 record. They opened with a big win, beating Concordia 13-0, showing full control of the game. The Ooks kept the phase going with a solid 6–2 win over Lakeland, playing steadily and staying sharp at all moments. Their only loss came against SAIT, a tough 2–5 game, but NAIT still worked hard and stayed in it for most of the match. They finished the bonspiel in style by winning their last match against Concordia 7–1, playing fast and keeping huge pressure from start to finish over the rival team.