Chris Raeside
Sport Information, Event Management, Media & Sport Development Officer
The Capilano University Blues earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the College of the Rockies Avalanche on Friday night in North Vancouver. With set scores of 25-19, 25-14, 19-25, 22-25, and 15-6, the Blues weathered a strong comeback from the Avalanche to secure the win.
Capilano started strong, taking the first set 25-19 before delivering a commanding 25-14 performance in the second. First-year setter Mollie English was instrumental, tallying 49 assists as she distributed the ball effectively to her hitters. Nnya Mbaoma and Annika Kuznik led the offensive charge, combining for several key points.
The Avalanche found their rhythm in the third set, using a 25-19 win to shift momentum. They continued to build on that in the fourth, edging out a close 25-22 victory to force a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, the Blues regained control. An early lead of 8-4 at the bench switch set the tone. Middle blocker Natalie Rourke’s ace made it 9-4, and Kuznik followed with a powerful kill to extend the lead. Sibby Bos and Jennie Pereboom contributed timely kills as Capilano pulled away, ultimately closing out the set 15-6 on another cross-court spike from Bos.
Mbaoma led the team with a season-high 19 kills, while Bos and Kuznik added nine kills each. Rourke’s defensive presence at the net was crucial, adding four blocks to her stat line.
Coach Swanson, "We came out very strong in the first two sets and then played a very determined COTR team in the third and fourth set. The ladies showed a lot of character and a high level of competition in the fifth set."
The Blues will face COTR again tomorrow at home, looking to build on this strong performance as the season progresses.
Post-game interview with 1st-year setter Mollie English as we discuss her experience at #CapU so far, her becoming the starting setter, her season-high 49 assists, dominating the 5th set and more. #GoBlues #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/WeOck5t4q7
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) November 30, 2024
Capilano Blues Outlast @AvsAvalanche in Thrilling Five-Set Victory! #BleedBlue #CapU #GoBlues pic.twitter.com/Z71o01eDVU
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) November 30, 2024
