Thunder Athletics Weekly Recap - Week 13

The final week of play in the Fall Semester is now complete, with Thunder Basketball, Hockey, and Volleyball all playing games in the last weekend of November. Check out how each team ended the semester.

Basketball

Saturday night was the only day of games for Thunder Basketball, as both the women’s and men’s teams hosted the Olds College Broncos at Ralph King Athletic Centre.

Women’s basketball controlled the game from the opening quarter, using a dominant 20-2 second frame to build a lead they never surrendered in a 64-41 win over Olds. Chloe Sutherland continued her stellar first half leading the Thunder with 18 points, while Grethe Winchell’s team high 7 rebounds helped CUE generate multiple second-chance opportunities. A balanced defensive effort highlighted by 18 team steals kept the Broncos to just 10.5% from three and secured the home victory. With the win, women’s basketball continues to hold the first place position in the ACAC North Division with a record of 9-1.

The men’s team earned a 95-86 win over Olds College, using a huge 27-point third quarter to take control of the game. Malik Edwards led the Thunder with 27 points on an efficient 11 for 16 shooting night, while Devon Weleschuk added 18 off the bench and Evan Li posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. It was a strong win to close out the semester, pushing the Thunder to 3-7 and tied for 4th in the ACAC standings

Hockey

Thunder Hockey had two games this weekend, both against the Portage Voyageurs. Coming into the weekend both teams had identical 4-6 records.

Game one was a home game on Friday night for the Thunder, as the team took down the Voyageurs 5-4. Concordia erupted for four goals in the second period to take control, led by tallies from Ethyn Hopp, Isaac Leik, Liam Fitzgerald, and Grayson Reid. Leik added his second of the night in the third, and goaltender Ashton Billesberger turned aside 36 shots to secure the win. Despite a late push from Portage in the third period, the Thunder held strong to close out the victory.

Game two was an identical 5-4 score, but this time Portage took the win. The Thunder built early momentum with goals from Zachary Cunningham and Isaac Leik, carrying a 2-1 lead into the third period. After Portage surged ahead with four quick goals, the Thunder responded with two from Dylan Handel, but the comeback fell just short in a road loss.

With the first semester complete, the Thunder hold a 5-7 record at the winter break, tied with the Voyageurs for 3rd place in the ACAC standings. 
 

Volleyball

Thunder Volleyball travelled to Olds College on Saturday night for a matchup against the Broncos on the road.

It was a fantastic night for women’s volleyball as they dominated from start to finish, sweeping Olds 3-0 behind a balanced and efficient offensive effort. Emma Thompson (6 kills) and Kolby Zimmer (8 kills) led the attack, while the Thunder posted 24 assists, 58 digs, and 6 blocks to control every phase of the match. CUE’s consistency and defensive pressure powered them to set wins of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-16. With the victory, the women moved above .500, now at a 5-4 record, tied for 4th in the ACAC North Division.

It was a different result for the men’s team as Concordia battled through three tight sets on the road but ultimately fell 3-0 to Olds College, with set scores of 25-21, 25-23, and 25-22. Brodie Wight led the Thunder offense with 11 kills on .526 hitting, while Liam Frost added 21 assists and strong defensive contributions. Despite solid individual performances, Concordia couldn’t quite capitalize in the late stages of each set. After the loss, the men sit at 2-7, tied for 6th in the North Division.