Mariners Win Gold

The VIU Mariners are PACWEST champs after a three-set sweep over the Capilano Blues on Saturday winning 25-19, 25-16 and 25-16.

Offensively the Mariners had too many weapons to defend.  Setter Linnea Brickwood evenly distributed the ball to several players including Player of the Match Grace Brisebois who finished with eight kills along with Regan Ingram and Aimee Skinner who also added eight kills in the victory.

The Mariners got to seemingly every ball the Blues sent over the net.  They took pride in their digs and their net play frustrated the Blues hitters.  Kiana Gelissen and Megan Duffy didn’t allow much to get through the blocking schemes and collected several stuff blocks.

On the other side the Blues tried to stay in it but didn’t have the weapons to answer the Mariners.  Sibby Bos was named Player of the Match with six kills and Nnya Mbaoma was kept in check recording a team high nine kills. 

It’s the 19^th time the Mariners have won PACWEST gold and first time since 2020.  They will be the PACWEST Conference champion representative at the CCAA national championship in Red Deer in two weeks.   

Despite the loss the Blues are heading to Red Deer as well with a wildcard berth.

Following the match the tournament All-Stars and MVP were announced:

All-Stars:
Erick Bolink – Camosun Chargers
Nnya Mbaoma – Capilano Blues
Jayden Easingwood – Capilano Blues
Aimee Skinner – VIU Mariners
Emma Schill – VIU Mariners
Kiana Gelissen – VIU Mariners

MVP:
Linnea Brickwood