The College of the Rockies Lady Avalanche volleyball team is off to a hot start in 2016 and people in the PACWEST have taken notice.
After scoring back-to-back victories over the Capilano University Blues (3-2, 3-0) this past weekend, fifth-year captain Kelsey Thomspon was recognized with PACWEST Athlete of the Week honours.
Thompson, a native of Vernon, led the Lady Avs charge with a total of 26 digs, 23 kills and two blocks over the weekend.
The heavy-hitting veteran has been rock solid all season long. Heading into this weekend's action, Thompson's name can be found all across the PACWEST leaderboard, including third in kills (173), sixth in digs (165) and sixth in total offense.
The two triumphs over Capilano pushed the Lady Avalanche to 5-9 on the season and back into the playoff race in the tightly-contested PACWEST.
Thompson and the Lady Avs return to action Friday night (6 p.m.) at College of the Rockies as they welcome the Douglas College Royals (6-6) to Cranbrook.
The Royals and Lady Avs will follow up Friday's outing with a Saturday matinee (1 p.m.) to close the weekend.
PACWEST Women's Volleyball Standings:
1) Vancouver Island University (12-2, 24 points); 2) Capilano University (8-6, 16); 3) Camosun College (8-6, 16); 4) Douglas College (6-6, 12); 5) University of the Fraser Valley (6-8, 12); 6) College of the Rockies (5-9, 10); 7) Columbia Bible College (3-11, 6)
Men look to remain perfect in 2016 following sweep of Capilano
The College of the Rockies Avalanche men’s volleyball team hopes to remain hot following back-to-back sweeps of Capilano University last weekend.
The Avalanche cruised to a pair of victories over the visiting Blues, claiming straight-sets triumphs Friday (25-16, 25-16, 25-18) and Saturday (25-19, 25-23, 25-16).
The consecutive wins boosted the Avs to 6-8 on the season.
This weekend, the Avalanche will look to claw back to the .500-mark with the second-place Douglas College Royals (9-3) visiting College of the Rockies Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m.).
Australian import Patrik Toze continues to pace the Avalanche heading into the weekend.
The 6-foot-5 outsider hitter ranks amongst the PACWEST’s best with 28 blocks (seventh) and 138 kills (seventh), contributing to his sixth-place conference rank in total offense this season.
PACWEST Men’s Volleyball Standings:
1) Camosun College (13-1, 26 points); 2) Douglas College (9-3, 18); 3) University of the Fraser Valley (8-6, 16); 4) Vancouver Island University (8-6, 16); 5) College of the Rockies (6-8, 12); 6) Capilano University (4-10, 8); 7) Columbia Bible College (3-11, 6)