The #5 nationally ranked VIU Mariners arrived in Cranbrook for an important late-season showdown with the Avalanche, who entered the weekend in a tight four-team race for the final PACWEST playoff spots with only four matches remaining.
Friday night began with an emotional Senior Night ceremony honouring 5th-year veteran Hannah Zurakowski, and the Avalanche carried that energy into a competitive opening set. The teams traded points early before VIU created separation late. COTR pushed back to within one behind strong defensive sequences, but VIU held on to take the opener. The second set was controlled by the Mariners until a late surge from the Avs, sparked by Isla Roden's serving run and key kills from Sloane Brodner, narrowed the gap—though VIU still slipped away with the 2-0 lead. The third set remained close throughout, but the visitors again capitalized in the final points to take the match 3-0. Hannah Gray led the Avs with 8 kills, Maya Bowden contributed 2 blocks, and Stevie Friesen anchored the defense with 13 digs.
On Saturday afternoon, COTR came out with renewed energy and battled point-for-point in the first set, holding the lead for much of the frame thanks to a standout performance through the middle from Isla Roden, who scored multiple key kills. But once again, VIU surged late to steal the set. The second set was all Mariners, but the Avalanche responded with grit in the third. The mood shifted, however, when an unfortunate injury forced Roden out of the match. Her teammates rallied to finish the set and close the gap to 2-1, but the fourth set slipped away early, and despite a determined push, VIU closed out the match 3-1. Zurakowski led the Avs with 12 kills, Brodner added 11, and Emma Lang chipped in an ace.
Bryan's Weekend Thoughts:
"Friday night started with a ceremony for Hannah Zurakowski, our 5th-year graduating athlete. This was special to recognize such an achievement by such a wonderful human being. The game felt like we were always battling back. The belief that we could play to a good level was up and down for us. Once a serving run started, we believed, but as soon as we started struggling to side out there was some frustration, which led to more issues with our execution.
Saturday, we made a big change that really sparked our competitive juices and allowed us to fight hard all game long. I liked the level we got to many times in the game, but we couldn't sustain it long enough to build proper leads. Basically, we now need to find a way to beat the #1 team in the country to make playoffs. I'm excited to get the team prepared to do just that next weekend in North Vancouver!"
