COTR Avalanche @ VIU Mariners – Thursday October 19, 6:00pm and 8:00pm | WATCH HERE
The new PACWEST volleyball season opens tonight as the COTR Avalanche visit the VIU Mariners in Nanaimo.
On the women’s side it’s a rematch of last season’s semi-final in which the Mariners won in five thrilling sets advancing to the gold medal match.
Both teams look a bit different this season without some of their stars from last year. The Mariners no longer have their two-time CCAA Player of the Year in Jane Lytvynenko while the Avalanche are missing Brooklyn Brodner. With that much firepower on both sides missing, other athletes are going to have to step up to try and help their team to a win.
The men’s match between these two schools is very similar to the women’s side. It’s a rematch of last year’s semi-final that saw the Mariners upset the Avalanche in a three-set sweep.
Coming into this season both schools have some of their potent weapons from last year back on their roster. The Mariners return Middle Blocker of the Year Daniel Mascarenhas who will no doubt play an even bigger role along with PACWEST Rookie of the Year Lucas Torres and his 253 kills is back as well.
As for the Avalanche they bring back the big swing of Diego Policarpo who was a First Team All-Star last season with a Conference high 260 kills. They also return veteran Gustavo Bertoli who is back for his fifth and final season. The biggest change is at the setter position after the graduation of Athlete of the Year Vittor Mateus who leaves big shoes to fill.
The women will tonight’s schedule at 6:00pm, followed by the men at 8:00pm.
This article is shared as part of our Fair Dealing Policy. For the original article, please visit: http://pacwestbc.ca/sports/x_combined_Sports_Reviews_Recaps_Awards/2023-24_Combined_Sports_Reviews_Recaps_Awards_-_Both_Genders/20231019-VBallPreview-COTR-VIU
