Men's Volleyball CCAA National Bronze Medalists
Mariners win Bronze in a thriller 16-14 in the 5th.
Bronze Medal Match: VIU Mariners 3, Keyano Huskies 2
With a national bronze medal on the line, the Vancouver Island University Mariners, buoyed by a strong outing from Doug Groenendijk, defeated the Keyano Huskies in five hard fought sets (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 28-30 and 16-14).
VIU's setter Keal Prince connected with right side hitter Doug Groenendijk (five kills) early and often in the first set, helping their team take an 11-10 lead. Justin Delorme (four kills) kept the Huskies within a pair, but the Mariners capitalized off late kills from Jeff Webb and Adam Kapteyn to earn a 25-20 win.
Justin Delorme (ten kills) was Keyano setter Kelly Woods' favourite target leading into the second set. The Huskies' fifth-year kept it 12-12, hitting for 71.4 per cent efficiency. A pair of late blocks by Doug Groenendijk helped VIU take the second set 25-20.
Keyano's Liam Matheson (six kills) started to receive more volume and helped push his side ahead 15-11 in the third. The Mariners reduced the five-point gap but couldn't fully climb back. The Huskies extended the match with a 25-22 win.
The Mariners' blockers went to work in the fourth set, helping them take a two point edge (16-14). The Huskies were energized by Justin Delorme's 24th kill and went on a 10-4 run, pulling ahead 24-20. VIU extended the set, but Keyano sealed a 30-28 victory, sending the match to a deciding fifth set.
The momentum was with Keyano College early, backed by four kills from Justin Delorme to jump ahead 8-2.
VIU rallied and finalized a 16-14 decision off an ace from Keal Prince, winning the 2019 CCAA bronze medals.
VIU Player of the Game: Doug Groenendijk