National CHAMPS

For the first time in 22 seasons the VIU Mariners are national champions after a 60-54 victory on Saturday over the Geants de Saint-Jean.

After the Mariners jumped out to a 15-8 lead after one, the Geants stormed back in the second outscoring them 25-16, shooting 50% and took a two-point into halftime.  They extended their lead to six after the third quarter setting up an exciting finish.

The Mariners found an extra gear in the fourth and would not be denied their national crown outscoring their opponents 16-4 clamping down defensively and holding them to just 9.5% shooting in the final frame.

On the offensive side the Mariners shot 36% led by tournament MVP Harriette Mackenzie who tallied 17 points and 19 gigantic rebounds in her 39 minutes of work. Both Ranika Guyton and CJ Buckley were named tournament All-Stars and added 12 points while Chloe Scaber came off the bench for nine and was named the Player of the Game.

It was a complete team effort for the Mariners with six players hitting the scoresheet but each player on the roster had a hand in this victory.  It’s also the first time a PACWEST women’s team has won a national gold since 1998.

Congratulations to the VIU Mariners!