Avalanche Open Season

The COTR Avalanche didn’t win a PACWEST medal last season but did build some momentum after finishing fourth and showing well at the championship tournament on their home floor.

Coming into this year they have retooled and will open the new PACWEST season this weekend when they make the long trip to Vancouver Island to play the VIU Mariners. They do have some big shoes to fill but have added some quality student athletes to make a run in 2023-2024.

GRADUATED:

Brooklyn Brodner has transferred to the University of the Fraser Valley and will be a middle not easy to replace. Last year she collected 127 kills and 38 blocks.

Claire Newsome led the Avs with 156 kills last season but has now finished her academic program and has moved on.

Hannah Klassen will be missed at the net after leading the Avs with 44 blocks during the regular season last year.

IMPACT RETURNERS:

Abby Betker (pictured) enters her second season as an outside hitter and will try to improve upon her 154 kills for last year.

Saige Kehoe enters her fourth year and will be asked to be a leader for the younger athletes on the Avalanche roster.

KEY ADDITIONS:

Ella Nichols is an outside hitter that has transferred from Medicine Hat College in the ACAC who enters her third season. Last year she played in 17 matches and collected 105 kills and 12 blocks.

Hannah Zurakowski is a transfer from the NAIT Ooks in the ACAC. She is a setter who played in 18 matches last year and collected 60 assists and 28 kills. She enters her third year of eligibility.

Cassie Fahselt is also a setter and is a local product from Fernie Secondary. She hails from Jaffray, BC and will be a rookie in the PACWEST this year.

The Avalanche open the season this Thursday at VIU in a rematch of last year’s semi-final.