Story Credit - Cranbrook Townsman
It's PACWEST Volleyball season once again, and the College of the Rockies Avalanche are back on the courts of colleges around the province and in Cranbrook.
According to pacwest.bc.ca, the Men's Avalanche are looking to build on last year's success, after a bronze medal performance at provincial championships on their home court.
"Last year the COTR Avalanche impressed many and were the second seed heading into the PACWEST championship tournament. They didn't fill their goal of a gold medal however they did capture bronze on their home floor with a three-set sweep over Douglas.
"This season they have some big shoes to fill after the graduation of a few key pieces from last year's squad. That said, they are excited about their roster and are ready to open the season this week."
As for the Women's side, the Avs are looking to make a run, according to pacwests.bc.ca.
"The COTR Avalanche didn't win a PACWEST medal last season but did build some momentum after finishing fourth and showing well at the championship tournament on their home floor.
"Coming into this year they have retooled and will open the new PACWEST season this weekend when they make the long trip to Vancouver Island to play the VIU Mariners. They do have some big shoes to fill but have added some quality student athletes to make a run in 2023-2024.
On Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19 and 20, The Avalanche were in Nanaimo, taking on the Vancouver Island Mariners.
On the Women's side, the Avs were edged both days, three sets to two (25-17, 20-25, 15-25, 25-14, 15-9) on Thursday, and 3-1 on Friday (25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15)
The Men's Avalanche split their matches with the Mariners, losing 3-2 on Thursday (19-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 15-11) and winning 3-2 on Friday (18-25, 23-25, 25-18, 27-25, 20-18).
The weekend saw the Avalanche in Victoria, facing the Camosun Chargers.
The Women's side lost their Saturday night match 3-1 (25-11, 25-8, 20-25, 25-14), but defeated the Chargers in straight sets on Sunday, 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 27-25).
The Men's Avs won both their matches against Camosun in straight sets, 3-0 on Saturday (25-20, 27-25, 25-22) and on Sunday (25-22, 25-22, 25-19).
The Men's Avs are currently sitting at first place in the six team PACWEST men's volleyball conference, with six points and a 3-1 record. They lead Douglas College (two points), VIU (two points), Columbia Bible College (two), Capilano (0) and Camosun (0)
The Women's Avalanche, with two points, are currently even with Douglas, CBC and Camosun. VIU has four points, Capilano has yet to play.
The Avalanche open their season at home on Friday and Saturday, Novamber 3 and 4, against the Douglas Royals.