Aaron Walling / Sun Star
Hockey
The Nanooks came out firing as the won their fourth Brice Alaska Goal Rush tournament in a row beating out teams in the American International College and Rensslaer Polytechnic Institute outscoring both opponents 11-4 in goals. Sophomore Tayler Munson for the Nanooks was named the MVP after getting four goals and two assists in the tournament.
“We gave up a couple of goals both nights in the first period, but we were playing some really good hockey to open both nights. The message we gave the team was that they have to handle their highs and lows, and as long as you’re playing well, good things will happen, and we were able to come back both nights,” said Nanook’s coach Dallas Ferguson.
However, after giving up quick goals the Nanooks returned the favor by blowing out AIC by going up 7-2 and also handing RPI a 4-2 loss.
Volleyball
Sam Harthun jumps and attempts to hit the ball over two players from Simon Frazer during the Nanooks’ match on Thursday night. Their 3-0 loss ended their two game winning streak. – Max Mckernan / Sun Star
The Nanooks’ two home game winning streak came to an end against Simon Fraser in a disappointing fashion, losing three straight sets. The Nanooks couldn’t get anything going against the Clan who held the Nanooks to an abysmal .092 hitting percentage.
“I think tonight is a match that we will look back at after the season is over and wish we could have back,” said head coach Brian Scott.
The Nanooks went into their next matchup against the nation’s 16th ranked team, Western Washington Vikings who also frustrated them winning three straight sets. This has sent the Nanooks on a four game losing streak, leaving them with a record of 2-15.
“It’s not the result that we want, but the level that we played at was different than it was two days ago. We did a better job on every ball that was put in play, and we worked hard and got after a really good team today. I’m really proud of our girls for staying with it and battling with one of the best teams in the nation,” said Brian Scott.
Box Score: Alaska vs. Simon Fraser L 0-3 (14-25, 20-25, 22-25)
Alaska vs. Western Washington L 0-3 (19-25, 23-25, 20-25)
Swimming
The Nanooks split the series with Azusa Pacific after winning the the first meet on Friday, they lost on Saturday. The Nanooks pulled through a nail biter in the first meet winning 104-
Distance swimmer Cassidy Heaton swims towards the end of her 1650 freestyle race early Saturday morning. – Zayn Roohi / Photo Editor
101. They turned to sophomore Katie Stark who dominated to put the 400-yard relay away after Martha Hood put a sizeable lead in between the two teams. However, the Nanooks knew ahead of time that the second match would be much more difficult facing one of the top teams when it comes to long distance swimming. The Nanooks were outplayed by Azusa Pacific losing 98-106.
“Losing today wasn’t because we were tired or sore… Azusa Pacific was simply the better team all around the pool today,” Coach Scott Lemley said.
Despite the loss, two swimmers for the Nanooks definitely stood out in both sophomore Martha Hood and freshman Cassidy Heaton who both put in incredible performances. Heaton finished second in the 1650 yard freestyle who swam a 17:59:09 to crack into the top ten for the Alaska Nanooks record list. It was also the fourth fastest time in the nation this season. Hood dominated getting first in the 50 yard freestyle with the time 0:24:61 keeping her within the top three swimmers in the nation.
Rifle
After finishing second in the nation last year, the Nanooks are out for more as they beat The Ohio State University 4694-4672. They were led by both sophomore Sagen Maddalena and senior Lorelie Stanfield who both scored 1178 respectively.
Sagen Maddalena shoots during the kneeling smallbore event of the Nanook’s match against Ohio State. – Jason Ninneman / Sun Star