Mariners Drop First Two Matches of the Season to Camosun

NANAIMO / VICTORIA - The Mariners showed off some exciting new players in the first weekend of the season but dropped two 3-1 decisions to the CCAA's top-ranked team, the Camosun Chargers.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21: CAMOSUN 3 - VIU 1 (25-16, 19-25, 25-20, 25-22)

A large crowd welcomed the Mariners in their home opener at the VIU Gym, but an experienced Chargers squad weathered the storm to win the first men's volleyball Island Rivalry match of the season.

Second-year setter Owen Dyck, taking control of the VIU offense now that Jordan Davis has completed his five years of eligibility, was impactful throughout. He earned a team-high six aces to go with five digs, four kills, and a block.

Lucas Torres led the Mariners with 12 kills while libero Bryce Kropp counted 12 digs.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22: CAMOSUN 3 - VIU 1 (25-9, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19)

The following night in Victoria, the Chargers recognized their 2021-22 CCAA men's volleyball national championship team before the game. The ceremony--along with the return of legendary Chargers PA announcer Ian Lahay--fueled an incredible start for the home team on the way to a 3-1 Camosun win.

After the Mariners struggled mightily in the first set, they turned it around to take set 2, but wouldn't get closer the rest of the way.

Lucas Torres earned 16 of VIU's 45 kills in the match. Libero Enrico del Mundo topped the dig list with 10 over the four sets.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Owen Dyck demonstrated a strong command of the VIU offense in Week #1. He got all of his teammates involved in the offense and included a dynamite serve offense, especially in Friday's home opener.

UP NEXT

Week #2 of the PACWEST season gives the Mariners have a home matchup against the Capilano Blues. The Blues dropped their first two games of the season to the Douglas Royals.

VIU (0-2) vs Capilano (0-2)
VIU Gym
Friday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Livestream: https://youtu.be/nglZdGCFLlQ
Saturday, October 29, 2 p.m.
Livestream: https://youtu.be/7-XEDe2vZdg

Fans are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes to Friday's games! 

For more information, please contact Matt Carter, VIU Athletics & Recreation Communications & Sports Information Coordinator.