Split Decisions
VIU Counts Its Second 1-1 Weekend of 2023
NORTH VANCOUVER - The Mariners opened up Week 8 with an upset loss to the Capilano Blues but rebounded nicely for a win in the rematch.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20: CAPILANO 3 - VIU 1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21)
After the Mariners took the first set, the Blues put the hammer down--largely on the offensive production of Stephen Searcy (14 kills) and Colby Soolsma (12 kills)--and earned their second victory of the season.
Seven Mariners earned kills in the game, led by Lucas Torres with 13. Torres sits second in the PACWEST conference with a 3.55 kills per set average.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21: VIU 3 - CAPILANO 0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-23)
The Mariners did not leave the Lower Mainland empty handed, getting a team-high 11 kills from Rylan Van Kooten on the way to a 3-0 sweep of the Blues.
Torres (10 kills) and Daniel Mascarenhas (9 kills) also had strong offensive showings for the Mariners.
VIU, at 8-6, sits in third place in the PACWEST and moves closer to clinching a PACWEST playoff spot. The Blues move to 2-10 and are fifth in the conference standings.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: OWEN DYCK
Second-year setter Owen Dyck made the most of the weekend against the Blues of CapU. Owen had 57 setting assists and contributed 7 offensive points and 11 digs. Head coach Abe Avender said that "Owen's continued development in his second season with Mariners has helped lead the young Mariners squad this year."
UP NEXT
The Mariners have a bye week in Week 9 but return to action at home on February 3 & 4 as they host the fourth-place Douglas Royals (7-8). Friday's game goes at 8 pm while Saturday's game starts at 3 pm.
Including the matchups with Douglas, the Mariners have six games remaining in the regular season and five are at home: February 3 & 4 versus the Royals, February 11 versus Camosun, and February 17 & 18 versus the Columbia Bible College Bearcats. A VIU win and a Capilano loss ensures the Mariners will qualify for the PACWEST 'Final 4' Volleyball Championships, February 24 & 25 at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, BC.
In-game photo provided by Brent Mutis, Capilano University Blues.
For more information, please contact Matt Carter, VIU Athletics & Recreation Communications & Sports Information Coordinator.