The Capilano Blues upset the Douglas Royals on Friday night to advance to the PACWEST gold medal match and the CCAA national championship in Red Deer.
The Blues used a complete team effort getting production from all of their players coupled with some outstanding defensive play. They were led offensively by Nnya Mbaoma who had a match high 16 kills and Vanessa Gatto who added eight and was named the Player of the Match. Sibby Bos was also outstanding with six kills and a pair of aces while Natalie Rourke made contributions at just the right time with five kills and three aces.
In front of a very good crowd the Blues jumped in front, winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-22 and looked to be in control. The Royals however battled back in the third winning 25-20 to force the fourth set but couldn’t match the Blues energy. They took the lead early and with it all the momentum and rode it to a 25-19 victory to claim the match.
The Royals were led by Player of the Match Anna von Krosigk who finished with eight kills and five aces while Lauren Bowman chipped in with eight kills.
It’s the second time since 2020 that the lower seeded Blues upset the higher seed Royals in their own gym to advance in the postseason.
The Blues will meet the VIU Mariners in Saturday’s gold medal match and the Royals face the Camosun Chargers for bronze.
This article is shared as part of our Fair Dealing Policy. For the original article, please visit: http://pacwestbc.ca/championships/volleyball_2023-24/Releases_and_Graphics/20240223-WVB-SF-RECAP-DC-Cap
