Women's Volleyball Match Of The Week

The PACWEST volleyball scheduler hit a homerun when they pit the Douglas College Royals and VIU Mariners on the final weekend before the holiday break.  It’s a first place showdown when the Mariners (9-1) host the Royals (8-2) on Friday and Saturday in the PACWEST Match of the Week.

Last season the Mariners swept the Royals in all four of their matches.

The Story So Far: Douglas College Royals (8-2, CCAA Ranking #7)

The Royals are rolling this season, winning four of their last five matches.   Unlike the Mariners however the Royals are winning matches in four and five sets rather than three straight.  One could argue that the Royals are a bit more “battle tested” because they are not sweeping teams and are finding ways to win.  Overall they have been very good offensively with 9.95 kills per set.   This will be their first trip to the Island this year and are 4-1 on the road.

The Story So Far: VIU Mariners (9-1, CCAA Ranking #1)

The Mariners have been simply outstanding in defence of their CCAA national title from a year ago.  They have not dropped a set since October28th blowing through Capilano, CBC and UFV.  Coming into this weekend the Mariners have won six straight and have a Conference high average of 10.79 kills per set.  They are a perfect 5-0 on their home floor.

Who To Watch: Douglas College Royals

#5 Juliana Penner: She leads the Royals and the Conference in her fifth year with 126 kills* and 160 total points.*  The opposition is finding it difficult to slow her down, despite knowing that she is the primary focus for the Royals.

#16 Georgia Hurry: She has been a wall at the net for the Royals this season with a Conference high 42 blocks* in the 40 sets she’s played.   Last week alone she tallied seven blocks against the Camosun Chargers.  

#7 Vicki Schley: She continues to be outstanding offensively for the Royals with 110 kills and 131 total offensive points.

Who To Watch: VIU Mariners

#2 Mikayla Wagner: She leads the Mariners high powered offence with 123 kills and 150 total offensive points.  She appears to be the primary weapon for the top ranked Mariners, who can also block with 19 on the season.

#4 Megan Rosenlund: She could be the Mariners’ best all-around player.  Offensively she’s collected 101 kills, eight aces, and 119 total offensive points.    The veteran has also shown the ability to find the right position defensively collecting 92 digs.  Last weekend she was named the Athlete of the Week with 30 kills and an impressive 22 digs.

#17: Andrea Cankovic: When teams key on Wagner and Rosenlund offensively, it leaves room for Cankovic and her 97 kills and 128 total points.  She is also the best Mariner from the service line, collecting 17 aces in 34 sets played.

*Leads Conference