With both men’s teams eliminated from contention and both women’s sides hosting conference championships, Medicine Hat College’s volleyball and basketball teams hit the road Friday for games that are certainly important, but for far different reasons.
For the women’s sides, it’s all about building momentum as they prepare for their respective eight-team tournaments which are less than a month away.
For the men, building for the future is already well underway, with young rosters still learning every time out on the floor.
Basketball teams are at Olds, where the female Broncos are ranked No. 1 in the country with a 13-1 record. Brittney Thibeaux lit up the Rattlers for 46 points the last time the teams met in November, so finding a way to slow her down will be key for the 9-7 Rattlers.
The men’s game is a great opportunity for 2-14 Medicine Hat, as Olds is only 1-13.
The Rattlers will stay in Olds for Saturday’s rematch as well.
In volleyball, the stage is set for a home-and-home series with rival Lethbridge. The 8-10 women’s Rattlers now know seven of the eight teams that will be in town at the end of the month for conference finals, but the 4-14 Kodiaks aren’t one of them. Medicine Hat won both prior matchups this season.
Already qualified for finals are Lakeland, Augustana and King’s in the North Division, plus Briercrest, Red Deer and Ambrose in the South. Briercrest is ranked second in Canada with a 20-0 record.
Lethbridge is hosting the men’s playoffs and at 15-3 are also looking for their division’s top seed. They’re also ranked fourth in the nation, tops among Alberta teams.
At 4-14 Medicine Hat is looking to stay positive and gain experience, having lost four in a row.
The teams are in Lethbridge Friday but come to the Snake Pit Saturday evening for games starting at 6 p.m.
