PACWEST Spike Night: Blues @ Avalanche
An important match for both teams as COTR hosts Capilano
The Capilano Blues (8-6) will make the nine and a half hour trip across the Rocky Mountains to face the COTR Avalanche (4-8) on Friday and Saturday in the PACWEST women’s volleyball Match of the Week.
Despite the record the Avalanche have two matches in hand and are just eight points back of the Blues for third in the standings.
This will be the second time these two schools have met this season after splitting a weekend in October each winning in four sets.
The Blues have won four straight, all on their home floor and are the hottest team in the PACWEST. Their offence is collecting 10.4 kills a set and has a hitting percentage of .192. Tyneille Neufeld has been the primary offensive weapon with 187 kills, averaging 3.4 a set. The reigning Athlete of the Week Emma Schill is averaging 2.5 kills a set.
During their meeting at Capilano in October Neufeld led the way for the Blues with 27 kills and Isabela Lima chipped in with 17. Meanwhile Mikaela Pushor was solid for the Avalanche with 26 kills.
That said the Avalanche have been led by Megan Beckett this season who is averaging 2.8 kills a set for a total of 109 in 38 sets played. Against the Blues she collected 20 kills. Pushor is averaging 2.2 kills each set.
“We are looking forward to being able to get back on the court and compete against a very good Capilano team,” says Avalanche head coach John Swanson. “They had a successful start to their second semester and we will need to be prepared for a strong offensive attack. Capilano has always been a top defensive team so as in our first matches against them we should expect some long contested rallies. It will be a great test for our team and I know the ladies are looking forward to the challenge.”
Overall the Avalanche are averaging 9.3 kills each set and have a hitting percentage of .201. Conversely the defence is averaging 14.7 digs each set and 2 blocks.
They have also been very good on their home floor with a 3-1 record, while the Blues have struggled on the road at 2-4.
Friday night the Blues and Avalanche will meet at 6:00pm, then Saturday at 1:00pm in the PACWEST Match of the Week.