The PACWEST men’s volleyball season opens Week 10 on Friday with playoff positioning on the line for all teams. With just four slots at the PACWEST volleyball championship available, teams have begun to press to ensure a playoff spot.
Douglas Royals @ VIU Mariners – Friday February 3, 8:00pm | WATCH HERE
This should be a very entertaining match-up with just two points separating them in the standings.
The Mariners are in third place and have won two of their last three matches. They are finally back at home after eight straight on the road which included a stop at Douglas just before the holiday break. They took both weekend matches at Douglas in three and four sets respectively. Now that the calendar has switched to February, the Mariners will play five of their final six matches at home.
The Royals appear to be getting hot at the right time, on a three-match winning streak. This trip to VIU is their final road trip of the regular season and are looking for a little payback after the Mariners beat them back in November.
Head-to-Head
Records: Royals 7-8 – Mariners 8-6
Sets Won: Royals 24 – Mariners 24
Sets Lost: Royals 34 – Mariners 27
Kill Leaders: Cameron Powell 94 (Royals) – Lucas Torres 195 (Mariners)
Block Leaders: Lucas Sansone 28 (Royals) – Daniel Mascarenhas 53 (Mariners)
Digs Leaders: Elijah St. Germain 81 (Royals) – Owen Dyck 104 (Mariners)
Capilano Blues @ CBC Bearcats – Friday February 3, 8:00pm | WATCH HERE
Both teams are on the outside looking in at the PACWEST championship tournament scheduled for the end of the month. They are not mathematically eliminated yet, but they will need a massive win streak and some help if they want to qualify.
The Blues did score an upset win last weekend with a split over the second place COTR Avalanche. Friday night begins four straight on the road as they look for an improbable run to the finish line. Earlier this season, they earned a split with the Bearcats and are looking for a weekend sweep.
Since that win over the Blues in November, the Bearcats have lost five in a row but are hoping to use home court advantage to do some damage in the month of February. They will play four of their final six matches at home.
Head-to-Head
Records: Blues 3-11 – Bearcats 1-13
Sets Won: Blues 17 – Bearcats 17
Sets Lost: Blues 37 – Bearcats 39
Kill Leaders: Colby Soolsma 123 (Blues) – Jake Stobbe 143 (Bearcats)
Block Leaders: James Fong 19 (Blues) – Dane Slater 35 (Bearcats)
Digs Leaders: Owen George 74 (Blues) – Jake Stobbe 85 (Bearcats)
