Island Time: Mariners defeat Chargers twice to open the 2022-23 season

NANAIMO / VICTORIA - The defending CCAA national champions started off on the right foot with two wins in a season-opening series with Camosun.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21: VIU 3 - CAMOSUN 1 (25-20,27-25,23-25,25-15)

A boisterous crowd of more than 700 fans packed the VIU Gym and cheered on the Mariners to a 3-1 season-opening victory.

Prior to the game, the VIU Students Union ran a tailgate party beside the gym and VIU Food Services provided complimentary ribs and corn. This set the scene for more good vibes inside the gym as the the 2021-22 CCAA national championship team was recognized with a celebration video and the championship banner was raised into the gym's rafters.

This year's squad, which features six returning players from last year's championship-winning team, was again led by reigning CCAA women's volleyball player of the year, Jane Lytvynenko. She totalled team highs in kills (14) and digs (10). Fifth-year outside hitter Cassidy Kitchen, a newcomer who had previously played with the Mount Royal Cougars, added 9 kills. 

Two first-year players who came to VIU from the nearby Nanaimo District Secondary School, Marandy Eby and Alannah Wright, both received loud ovations from the home town when they substituted into the game.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22: VIU 3 - CAMOSUN 1 (20-25, 27-25, 25-15, 27-25)

The second half of the home and home series was a tougher battle, but the Mariners held together to earn the 3-1 win.

The Chargers were amped up for their home opener, and despite earning 25 points in three of the four sets, couldn't put VIU away after the first set.

Former Charger Mika Yamada, now lining up for the Mariners as a libero, earned 21 digs. Jane Lytvynenko had another strong game with 16 kills, 4 solo blocks, and 6 digs, while setter Linnea Brickwood contributed 5 aces. 

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

With 30 kills on the weekend as well as defensive contributions at the end and the backcourt, Jane Lytvynenko was named VIU women's volleyball athlete of the week.

UP NEXT

Week #2 of the PACWEST season gives the Mariners have a home matchup against the Capilano Blues. The Blues dropped a pair of 3-1 decisions to the Douglas Royals in the season opening weekend.

VIU (2-0) vs Capilano (0-2)
VIU Gym
Friday, October 28, 5 p.m.
Livestream: https://youtu.be/WaAtQjchKG4
Saturday, October 29, 12 p.m.
Livestream: https://youtu.be/WK0NkdZ_TGk

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.