MVB Recap:
After an undefeated first semester, the men's Avalanche looked to start 2025, and the winter semester, with another strong performance against the visiting CBC Bearcats. With a strong start, they jumped out to a 25-17 first set win with middle attackers Noah Hadwen and Ethan Braam really clicking as they led the way. The second set was back and forth with the Bearcats forcing several Avalanche errors late in the set leading to a 32-30 set win and tying the match 1-1. The Avalanche, perhaps a little rusty after an extended Christmas break, were able to regain control of the match in the 3rd set and put the Bearcats away in the 4th 25-23 with some late heroics by Diego Policarpo to secure the win. Policarpo led the Avs with 22 kills, Hadwen set a career high with 12, and Ethan Braam and Jace Wilson chipped in with 8 and 7 respectively. From the setter position Boston Thiessen ran the offence smoothly to the tune of 43 assists with 1 kill and 1 block.
"I felt like we were a little inconsistent with our focus, but at the same time, Boston ran our offensive plan to a tee, and we were highly successful running the middle," said coach Cisco Farrero. "He got both Noah Hadwen and Ethan Braam to combine for 20 kills on a night where I felt like things weren't always easy for us. We made some errors at uncharacteristic times in both the 2nd and 4th set, but I loved our mental resolve, which allowed us to get the job done."
On Saturday the Avs recorded another 3-1 win over the visiting Bearcats in a match that the Avs controlled from the outset. Making their first home starts of the season Setter Brett Kester and Opposite Theo Clarke helped the Avs jump out to a quick 2-0 lead. After the Bearcats played a flawless 3rd set to tighten the match up, Coach Farrero made a couple of adjustments to the starting lineup, leading to the Avs taking the 4th set 25-22, securing a 12th PACWEST win and remaining undefeated. Splitting setter duties Brett Kester and Boston Thiessen demonstrated the depth at their position as they combined for 37 assists, 4 aces, 1 kill, and 5 digs. Libero Reece Clarke passed a stellar 2.3/3 on reception and added 6 digs in a very solid defensive performance. Leading the way on offence once again was Diego Policarpo with 16 kills followed by Albert Francisco with 8. New addition Reece Grusing and Theo Clarke combined for 5 kills at the opposite spot, with an additional 12 from middles Braam and Hadwen in the win.
"This match felt better energy-wise and focus-wise compared to last night," Farrero said. "I thought our serve and block were more consistent and we got significant contributions from a number of different positions throughout the match. To be able to get our 12th win of the season and officially clinch a PACWEST Final Four spot is a big first step for us. We have all our goals still in front of us and I look forward to this group continuing to grow."
