The Mariners come into the new PACWEST season as the defending silver medalists and learned some valuable lessons at the CCAA national championship last year at Humber. They finished fourth falling in the national bronze medal match but gave them a taste of the Canadian championship.
They will no doubt be in the discussion for a PACWEST championship this season with several key pieces returning for another run.
GRADUATES:
Dominic Losier has graduated following an impressive career at VIU. He has been an important part of the Mariners in the last several seasons and will be missed.
Libero Bryce Kropp has left VIU to pursue his education aspirations back home in Alberta. Kropp is from Edmonton.
Ben Pike came to the Mariners via the CBC Bearcats and was an important part of their offence last season. He has transferred to Trinity Western for the 2023-24 season.
IMPACT RETURNERS:
Daniel Mascarenhas (pictured) returns to the Mariners and will once again plug the middle. He was the PACWEST’s top middle block last year with 71 blocks and added 153 kills. He will give the Mariners’ setters plenty of options and will change how the opposition runs their plays as they try to avoid him at the net.
Lucas Torres was the Rookie of the Year last season and is expected to be a force again this year. His impressive rookie campaign included 253 kills, second most in the Conference and 39 booming service aces.
Owen Dyck will quarterback the offence and the Mariners are excited about his development as a setter and has the ability to take over a match. Last year he had 28 service aces.
KEY ADDITIONS:
Colby Soolsma, Outside Hitter: joining VIU from Capilano University, Soolsma totalled 167 kills in his rookie season and was in the Conference top ten in kills, aces, and total offense
Jake Stobbe, Outside Hitter: a transfer from Columbia Bible College, Stobbe was a PACWEST Second Team All-Star last season and also appeared in the Conference top ten in kills, aces, and total offense
Kolton Rawlusyk, Outside Hitter: Rawlusyk joins VIU out of Hunting Hills High School in Red Deer, AB. He played for the U17 Team Alberta that finished first at the Canada Cup.
The Mariners welcome the COTR Avalanche this Thursday night to open the new PACWEST men’s volleyball season.