The College of the Rockies Avalanche Women's Volleyball team opened their 2025–26 PACWEST campaign in impressive fashion, earning back-to-back wins over the CBC Bearcats in front of an energized home crowd.
Friday night saw the Avalanche drop the opening set 25–15 as early nerves showed, but once they settled in, COTR found their rhythm and rolled to three straight set wins (25–23, 25–11, 25–21) to take the match in four. Several first-year student-athletes made their PACWEST debuts, including Masyn Whittingham, Cate Rapin, Isla Roden, and Sloane Brodner. Offensively, Daivan Scherman led the way with 7 kills, 4 aces, and a block, while Eloise Newsome added 9 kills and 2 blocks. Right side Sloane Brodner was a key contributor with 6 kills and 4 aces in her debut performance. In the backcourt, Stevie Friesen anchored the defense with 13 digs and a 1.98 passing rating. Eloise Newsome was named Player of the Match for her consistent all-around play.
The Avalanche carried that momentum into Saturday's rematch, coming out strong to take the opening set before closing out another four-set victory. Emma Lang made her PACWEST debut in the middle, adding a pair of kills, while Brodner continued her strong play on the right side with 9 kills and 6 aces. Hannah Gray and Eloise Newsome each reached double-digit kills and finished with 15 points apiece, leading the Avalanche offense. Friesen once again provided stability in the back row with 12 digs, showcasing why she's among the top defensive players in the PACWEST. Hannah Gray was named Player of the Match for her standout offensive performance and leadership throughout the match.
The Avalanche now sit at 2–0 to start the season and will look to carry their momentum on the road this weekend as they head to Vancouver Island to take on the VIU Mariners and Camosun Chargers.
