It was a full slate of playoff action for the Ooks this weekend, as both volleyball and hockey teams kicked off their postseason runs. If you weren't able to catch the excitement, here's a quick recap of all the action.
Volleyball
Men's:
It was a challenging weekend for the Ooks men's volleyball team at provincials. Squaring off against the Lethbridge Kodiaks in their quarterfinal matchup, the Ooks came out with confidence and purpose. They set the tone early, capturing the first two sets in commanding fashion (25-16, 25-22). However, momentum shifted, and despite their strong start, the Ooks were dealt a heartbreaking reverse sweep, falling 22-25, 26-28, 8-15 to close out the match. Moved to the consolation side of the bracket, the Ooks knew a response was needed—and they delivered. Taking on the Augustana Vikings, NAIT bounced back with authority, earning a straight-sets victory (25-20, 25-22, 33-31) to keep their provincial campaign alive. In the consolation final for fifth and sixth place, the Ooks faced a determined Ambrose Lions squad. Despite a hard-fought effort, NAIT came up short in three sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-20), finishing sixth overall at provincials. While the result may not have been what they hoped for, the experience could serve as fuel moving forward. With nationals just weeks away—and on home court—the Ooks will look to channel that hunger and embrace the underdog mentality. And who doesn't love an underdog story?
Women's:
With high expectations heading into the weekend, the Ooks women's volleyball team knew they had to rise to the occasion. Finishing second in the North Division to open the tournament, NAIT squared off against the SAIT Trojans in the quarterfinals. After dropping the opening set, the Ooks showed resilience and composure, storming back to win three straight and secure a four-set victory (16-25, 28-26, 31-29, 25-22) to punch their ticket to the semifinals. There, they faced a formidable challenge in the reigning Lakeland Rustlers. Despite a determined effort, the Ooks fell in three sets (22-25, 16-25, 18-25), setting up a battle for bronze. With a chip on their shoulder and a clear focus, the Ooks entered the bronze medal match against the Briercrest Clippers ready to leave it all on the court. In a gritty four-set performance, NAIT delivered when it mattered most, capturing third place with a 25-23, 22-25, 25-19, 25-20 victory. A hard-earned podium finish and a testament to the team's resilience—well done, Ooks!
Hockey
Men's:
It was a statement start to the playoffs for the Ooks men's hockey team as they opened a best-of-three series against the Briercrest Clippers. Game one delivered instant drama, with the Ooks grinding out a 3–2 overtime victory. Kyle Venneman played hero, burying the game-winner off a setup from Ty Whitford and Brophy Dunne to give NAIT a 1–0 series lead. Carrying that momentum into game two, the Ooks skated with confidence and urgency, knowing a win would secure their spot in the next round. They rose to the challenge, closing out the series in convincing fashion with a 5–3 victory to complete the sweep and punch their ticket to round two. A composed and determined performance from start to finish—well done, Ooks!
Women's:
Unlike their male counterparts, it was a hard-fought but challenging weekend for the Ooks women's hockey team as they took on the Red Deer Queens in playoff action. Facing a formidable opponent, the Ooks battled in a tightly contested opener but came up just short in a razor-thin 2–1 loss. Determined to extend the series, NAIT returned to the ice with their sights set on forcing a decisive third game. The effort was there, but once again the margin was slim, as the Ooks fell 3–2 in another closely contested matchup. Though the results didn't fall their way, the Ooks competed stride for stride in a series defined by narrow margins and playoff intensity