Mariners Win National Gold

For the second time in three seasons the VIU Mariners are CCAA national champs after a four set victory over the Douglas Royals on Saturday; 25-19, 25-20, 23-25 and 25-16.

The Mariners avenged their PACWEST gold medal loss to the Royals and lost just one set the entire tournament to claim the national title. Andrea Cankovic was outstanding with 14 kills, 17 digs and a pair of blocks in the gold medal match. All-Canadian Mikayla Wagner was an excellent complement with 11 kills, 19 digs and three blocks. Setter Chantal Cumming added 46 assists.

At the net Taylor Wickson was incredible with 11 blocks, eight kills and four digs as she was named the player of the match.

The Royals were led by PACWEST Player of the Year Vania Oliveira and her 16 kills and 15 digs. Caet McCorkell added nine kills and setter Jane Kepler had 34 assists. Vicky Schley was named the player of the match with seven kills and 19 digs.

It’s the fourth national gold medal for the Mariners while the Royals claim their second silver, first since 1995.