Welcome back! Second semester is here and the NAIT Ooks are charging into the next phase of their season. With key matchups and tournaments fast approaching, anticipation is high as teams battle for playoff positioning. Here's a breakdown of where the Ooks are at and what's coming up:
Basketball
Men's team: The Ooks men's basketball team currently sits in second place behind the Lakeland Rustlers, holding an 8–3 record. They're set to face Northwestern Polytechnic in their upcoming games next week. Leading the way, Peter Kugba Nyande ranks second in the ACAC leaderboard, shooting an impressive 66 percent from the field for the Ooks. With nine games remaining in the regular season, the team will be aiming to lock in a strong position heading into the playoffs.
Women's team: Women's basketball currently is tied for first in the north division with an impressive 9-2 record. Just like the men's team, they have nine games left in their regular season hoping to secure a spot at the ACAC Championship.
Volleyball
Men's team: After the first term, the Ooks men's volleyball team is holding strong in second place, trailing the Keyano Huskies with a 6–3 record. They'll look to kick off the second semester with momentum as they head into enemy territory to take on Northwestern Polytechnic. Leading the league in assists, Mason Gorski will be a key playmaker as the Ooks push forward in the months ahead. With 10 games left in the regular season, the team will aim to climb the standings and close things out on a high note against the Concordia Thunder on February 21st.
Women's team: Charging into the second semester with an 8–1 record, the Ooks women's team sits atop the North Division, with Augustana close behind and the pressure on. They'll look to defend their first-place standing as they head into enemy territory to face Northwestern Polytechnic on January 16th. Powering the Ooks attack, Rachel Mallett leads the ACAC with over 140 kills after the first term and will be looking to keep her dominant pace rolling over the final 10 games of the regular season.
Hockey
Men's team: After a challenging first semester, the Ooks men's hockey team sits at a 3–9 record. With a matchup against Concordia coming up this Friday, they'll be looking to reset, fire on all cylinders, and kick off the second semester with momentum as they push toward a playoff spot. Their final game of the regular season is against the Briercrest Clippers on February 21st.
Women's team: The Ooks women's hockey team is right in the mix, holding an even 8–8 record. As the regular season winds down, the Ooks will look to secure their postseason spot, closing out the schedule against Red Deer Polytechnic on February 20th.
Curling
Men's team: After a dominant showing at the Fall Regional, where they posted a perfect 5–0 record, the men's curling team will look to carry that momentum forward and keep their winning streak alive.
Women's team: While the men's team found early success, the women's curling team will be looking to rebound after a challenging first semester that saw them finish 0–6. With one tournament remaining before playoffs, both squads have valuable opportunities ahead to make their mark.
Mixed Team: The NAIT mixed team had a strong first bonspiel going 3-1. They are currently ranked 2nd in their division heading into the winter bonspiel.
Futsal
Men's and Women's team:
Both the men's and women's futsal teams are set to open their seasons on January 31st. With 10 regular-season games ahead, each squad will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact, before closing out the schedule on February 22nd against the Concordia Thunder.
Badminton:
The Ooks badminton team is off to a strong start, claiming second place in their first tournament with 142 points and following it up with a first-place finish in their second event, racking up 163 points. With just one tournament remaining before provincials, the team is aiming to finish on a high note and keep the top spot in the rankings.
Indoor Track:
This is NAIT's first season competing in indoor track! The team is ready to show the ACAC what they have to offer. Their season kicks off on January 24th.
This semester is shaping up to be an exciting one for the NAIT Ooks, with packed schedules and high-stakes games that could make or break playoff dreams. Be sure to show your support and come cheer them on!