Mariners Retooled

The VIU Mariners will have a different look at the top this season as they try to rebound after finishing without a medal in 2021.

They will kick off the new PACWEST season this coming weekend with new head coach Bobbie Taylor leading the charge. She is no stranger to the Mariners and to VIU as a midfielder and captain with the team from 1988-1991. She also served as the Mariners head coach for one season in 2000. As a student-athlete she scored 13 goals in 25 games and was named the Mariners Female Athlete of the Year in the 1988-89 season.

2021 in Review: The Mariners scored 17 goals last season over the course of nine games but only won twice (2-6-1). They were ranked third heading into the PACWEST championship but were beaten by the Douglas Royals in the semi-final 2-1 in a very exciting and hard-fought contest.

One Player to Know: Cara Dunlop returns for her fourth season. She is one of the heart and soul players for the Mariners after another outstanding season last year tied atop the PACWEST scoring leaderboard with five goals.

One Key Stat: The Mariners will be solid in goal as keeper Melanie Osbourne returns for her fourth year. She played in all nine games last year and had a goals against average of 2.11 with one shutout.

One Key Fact: There are 11 first year players on the roster this season along with their new head coach Bobbie Taylor.

The Mariners open the season on Saturday when they host the defending PACWEST champion Capilano Blues in back-to-back games.