Avalanche men clinch playoff spot with split at Douglas
Coming off a bye weekend, the Avalanche returned to action on the road in New Westminster against the Douglas College Royals, and Friday night saw the first-place Avs earn a hard-fought 3–2 victory to clinch a spot in the PACWEST Championships. COTR took the opening set 25–21, capped by a big block from Dylan Annala, before the home side responded with wins in the second and third sets. Facing a 2–1 deficit, the Avs showed their trademark resilience, taking control early in the fourth set and forcing a deciding fifth after a Jace Wilson ace sealed a 25–22 win.
With momentum on their side, the Avs jumped out to an 8–3 lead in the tiebreak behind Annala's arm and held steady the rest of the way, closing out the match 15–12 on a massive block from Luke Margenau. Head coach Cisco Farrero praised his group's execution, highlighting the team's ability to follow the game plan and the impact of the middle attack and blocking. He noted that recording 16 blocks against a strong Douglas offence was a key factor, and that clinching a playoff berth was an important milestone for the group.
Margenau and Ethan Braam led the way in the middle, combining for 31 points, while Annala topped all scorers with 24 points. Boston Thiessen directed the offence with 43 assists, and Reece Clarke and Albert Francisco both posted double-digit digs.
Saturday's rematch saw the Royals respond with urgency. Douglas controlled the opening two sets, and despite a late Avalanche push, held off COTR to take a 3–0 win. With Annala resting, first-year opposite Kolton Wildeman stepped into the lineup and provided a spark, while Jace Wilson continued to score consistently. The Avs led much of the third set, but a few late mistakes allowed Douglas to close it out 26–24.
Farrero credited the Royals for their performance, noting that while he liked his team's effort and the opportunity to get extended minutes for different players, Douglas simply executed better on the night. He emphasized the importance of continuing to develop the full roster and maintaining the high standard the Avs have set as they move toward the postseason.