For the first time in program history, the COTR Avalanche are headed to the CCAA Nationals after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Camosun Chargers at the PACWEST Championships in Nanaimo. As the PACWEST's top seed, the Avs overcame a shaky start to advance to the conference championship match.
The Chargers, who swept the Avs just three weeks ago in Victoria, came out strong again and won the first set 25-16. However, the Avalanche bounced back in the second set, capitalizing on key Charger errors and the offensive play of Diego Policarpo. The Avs secured a 25-23 win, with Jack Schmeiss finishing the set with a crucial stuff block.
In set three, the Avs gained control of the match, and with Policarpo leading the charge, they won 25-20. Fueled by momentum, they stormed into the fourth set with a 5-0 lead behind Ethan Braam's serve and never looked back. The Avs closed out the match with a dominant 25-17 win, securing one of two PACWEST bids to the national tournament.
Policarpo was the standout performer, tallying an impressive 32 points in the four-set victory. Braam added 11 points, Reed Grusing contributed 9, and setter Boston Thiessen recorded 42 assists. Libero Reece Clarke passed a 2.1 on 25 attempts and added 7 digs.
Coach Farrero shared his pride after the historic win:
"I'm extremely proud of our athletes for the win tonight. After a nervous first set, we found our footing. Our three captains—Reece, Ethan, and Diego—were exceptional. Our goal this season has been to qualify for CCAA Nationals, and we're thrilled to represent the College of the Rockies and our incredible supporters at nationals in Manitoba."
After making history by securing a PACWEST semifinal victory for the first time ever, the Avs faced the Douglas Royals in the gold medal match. Both teams had already secured their CCAA Nationals spots, but the gold was still up for grabs.
The match began with both teams battling nerves in a choppy first set. The set was tied at 23-all until a missed serve from the Avs and a crafty kill from the Royals' setter gave Douglas the first set.
Douglas led for much of the second set, but the Avs surged midway through after a couple of big blocks. Serving substitute Brett Kester delivered a key ace to give the Avs a lead, and Diego Policarpo finished the set with an ace and a transition kill, tying the match 1-1.
The Royals regained momentum in the third set, capitalizing on strong serves and transition play to win 25-14. In the fourth set, the Avs fought hard but struggled to gain separation. Despite another offensive onslaught from Policarpo, the Royals maintained their lead and won 25-21, securing a 3-1 victory and the 2024/25 PACWEST Championship.
Policarpo led all scorers with 28 points and 4 blocks, while Reece Clarke recorded 7 digs and played solidly throughout.
Coach Farrero gave credit to the Royals after the match:
"Douglas played an outstanding match tonight. They ran their middle game effectively, and their players stepped up when needed. Apart from Diego, we didn't get much secondary scoring. To win a PACWEST title, you have to rise to the occasion, and Douglas did that. All the credit goes to them—they earned it."
The Avalanche now turn their focus to the CCAA Nationals in Niverville, Manitoba, from March 5-8, as they look to chase national gold.