CJ Pentland, CapU Sports Information Director

The Capilano University Blues women’s volleyball team fell short in their 2018-19 season opener on Thursday night in North Vancouver, dropping a 3-0 decision to the College of the Rockies Avalanche.

CapU got out to a strong start, building up a 10-3 lead in the first set and forcing an early COTR timeout, but the Avalanche responded with a 13-3 run to go up by three. The Blues kept the frame close and cut the deficit to two at 20-18, but the Avalanche again had an answer, scoring five straight points to take the first set 25-18.

The second set saw multiple lead changes, with neither side leading by more than a point until COTR went ahead 21-19. The Blues called a timeout in an attempt to stem the tide, but the Avalanche continued their strong serving out of the huddle, closing out the frame 25-21 for the two-set lead.

Capilano fell behind early again in the third set, but the substitution of rookie Cate Sykes at setter helped spark a rally to even things up at 13. COTR again had an answer, though, increasing their lead down the stretch to bring up match point at 24-20. The Blues made things interesting by taking the next three points and forcing a late Avalanche timeout, but the visitors closed out the frame 25-23 to secure the sweep. 

The two sides will rematch on Friday night, with first serve at 6:00pm at the Centre for Sport and Wellness (formerly Sportsplex).