On Friday night in North Vancouver the Avalanche ran their record to 9-0 with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Capilano Blues. The Blues kept the match tight with consistent serves and passes but in the end Diego Policarpo and his very impressive 28 points in just 3 sets were the difference. First-year middle blocker, Noah Hadwen, making just his second start had 9 points (7 kills, 1 block, 1 ace) and setter Boston Thiessen had 36 assists, 2 blocks, and 4 digs contributing to the victory.
"I'm proud of the way we played tonight. Capilano had a great plan for us, and they were better than us on the serve/pass aspect of the game, but our offence was incredibly efficient, and I really liked our transition game," said coach Cisco Farrero. Boston Thiessen had one of his best matches of the year at the setter spot. His connection with Diego Policarpo has carried us this season and it was in full effect against the Blues as the two were dominant in the win."
In the last game of the first semester the Avalanche defeated the Blues 3-1 to finish the term with a perfect 10-0 record. After dropping the first set to the feisty Blues the Avs rattled off three close wins behind the strength of another great offensive performance. Setter Brett Kester, in his first start of the season, distributed 56 assists and added 2 blocks, 3 digs, and 1 ace as the Avs totalled 62 kills in just 4 sets. Middle Blockers Jack Schmiess and Ethan Braam combined for 15 kills as the Avs dominated the middle of the court. Jhet Bowen, also making his first start, added 7 points and Noah McFadzen, usually a libero, got his first PACWEST career kill in the win. Fourth year outside Diego Policarpo led the offence with 35 kills to run his career total to 950, passing all-time great Curtis Stockton as the Avalanche career kills leader.
"Saturday's game was a really special match for our team," Farrero added. "A lot of different guys contributed to this victory, guys that maybe don't get as much fanfare or playing time had good matches. Then to have Diego break the Avs all-time kills record in the same match where we earned our 10-0 record, was all so special for this group. I'm really proud of the way we have played this term and how the entire group is challenging each other daily in training. I know they will continue to do so after Christmas."