It was a big weekend for Ooks Athletics, with the majority of our teams in action and making their mark. If you missed any of it, here's your quick recap of all the weekend highlights:
Basketball
Men's:
After a challenging weekend prior, the Ooks men's basketball team knew they needed to respond in a big way as they prepared to face the Concordia Thunder. They did exactly that. On Friday night, the Ooks delivered a commanding 86–69 victory over Concordia. With the final margin stretching well into double digits, several Ooks stepped up offensively, each contributing in double figures to fuel the win and set the tone for the weekend. Riding that momentum, the Ooks returned to the court determined to make another statement — and they did just that. In a dominant performance, they overwhelmed Concordia 105–71, showcasing their depth, chemistry, and offensive firepower. Owen Weaver led the charge with 17 points, while Kohl Kedman and Zachary Morris each added 14 in a well-balanced team effort. A strong bounce-back weekend for the Ooks men's basketball team — a performance that speaks to their resilience and ability to rise when it matters most.
Women's:
Just like the men's team, the Ooks women's basketball squad faced off against the Concordia Thunder this past weekend in a series that carried major playoff implications. With first and second place in the North Division on the line, the Ooks knew every possession mattered as they battled for top seeding heading into playoffs. On Friday night, the Ooks set the tone with an 80–71 victory over Concordia. Payton Neilson delivered a standout performance, pouring in an impressive 25 points to lead the charge and energize the team. Determined to keep their momentum rolling, the Ooks returned to the court Saturday with the same intensity. Keeping their foot firmly on the gas, they secured another hard-fought win, defeating the Thunder 68–61. Neilson continued her strong weekend with 19 points, while Dior Stellars added 12 in a balanced team effort. A huge weekend for the Ooks women's basketball team — and a strong statement from both programs as they build momentum heading into playoff season.
Volleyball
Men's:
Riding a six-game win streak into the weekend, the Ooks men's volleyball team had more than just momentum on their side — it was Senior Night, with 11 graduating players being recognized on home court. With so much on the line, the Ooks understood the importance of defending their floor against the Concordia Thunder. They delivered in dominant fashion, sweeping Concordia 3–0 on Friday night. Veteran Chris Rooker earned Player of the Game honours after an efficient performance, recording nine kills on 15 attempts and leading the charge offensively. Carrying a now seven-game win streak into the second match, the Ooks showed no signs of slowing down. They secured another straight-sets victory over the Thunder, once again winning in three. Aiden Wright stood out with over 13 hand passes and an impressive 3.21 passing average, anchoring the team's consistency and control on the court. A memorable Senior Night weekend and another statement performance from the Ooks men's volleyball team as they continue to build momentum.
Women's:
Just like the men's team, the Ooks women's volleyball squad took on the Concordia Thunder this weekend in a meaningful home stand. With a playoff spot already secured, the focus shifted to celebrating Senior Night and sending graduates Tanisha McQueen and Racquel Lussier off with a strong performance on home court. The Ooks rose to the occasion on Friday, battling through four competitive sets to earn the win over Concordia. Katie Nashim delivered a dominant performance, tallying 22 kills to power the offence and help seal the victory. Looking to carry that energy into the final match of the regular season, the Ooks returned to the court determined to finish on a high note. Despite their momentum and grit, the Thunder edged them out in a tightly contested five-set battle. A hard-fought weekend for the Ooks women's volleyball team — celebrating their seniors while continuing to build confidence and resilience as they prepare for the playoffs.
Futsal
Men's:
After a couple of weeks away from competition, the Ooks men's futsal team returned to action this past weekend with a busy three-game schedule. The Ooks opened Saturday with back-to-back matchups, battling to a 1–1 draw against Red Deer before playing to an offensive 5–5 stalemate against Northwestern Polytechnic. In both contests, the team showed resilience and composure, responding to pressure and fighting until the final whistle. Facing top-tier Concordia to close out the weekend, the Ooks once again demonstrated their competitiveness, earning another hard-fought draw against the Thunder. While the wins narrowly escaped them, the Ooks proved they can go toe-to-toe with any opponent as they continue to build momentum moving forward.
Women's:
Just like the men's team, the Ooks women's futsal squad had a packed weekend, taking on Red Deer Polytechnic, Northwestern Polytechnic, and Concordia. Saturday proved to be a strong start for the Ooks. They opened the weekend with a dominant 8–1 victory over Red Deer, showcasing their offensive firepower and control throughout the match. Later that day, they battled to a competitive 2–2 draw against Northwestern Polytechnic, earning another valuable result. On Sunday, the Ooks faced a tough test against Concordia. Despite their effort and intensity, they came up short, falling 2–1 in a tightly contested matchup. A hard-fought weekend for both Ooks futsal teams, with plenty of resilience and determination on display as they continue to push forward this season.
Hockey
Men's:
With playoff positioning on the line, the Ooks men's hockey team squared off against the Briercrest Clippers in a pivotal weekend series. Friday night was a tight, hard-fought battle, but the Ooks came up short, falling 3–1 to the Clippers. Despite the setback, the team stayed focused, knowing they'd have another opportunity to respond on home ice. And respond they did. Fueled by redemption and backed by their home crowd, the Ooks delivered a statement performance on Saturday, dominating Briercrest with an emphatic 8–1 victory to earn the weekend split. The offensive surge and complete team effort showcased exactly what the group is capable of when firing on all cylinders. Heading into the playoffs with a balanced 12–12 record, the Ooks are locked in and determined to build momentum at the right time — with their sights firmly set on a run to gold.
Women's:
The Ooks women's hockey team had a single matchup on the schedule this past weekend, taking on the Red Deer Queens. Despite a determined effort and competitive play, the result didn't fall in their favour, as they were handed a 3–0 loss. The Ooks will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in their next outing.