Royals Are PACWEST Champs

The Douglas Royals are golden for the first time since 2018 after a thrilling four-set win over the reigning champion VIU Mariners.   The Royals will be the PACWEST champion at the CCAA National championship while the Mariners will be a wildcard in PEI.

The Royals controlled most of the play on Saturday night thanks in large part to setter Jane Kepler.  She was able to spread the ball around to keep the opposition guessing.   Lauren Attieh was a major factor with a match high 13 kills while Ava Bosa added 12 and Grace McGillivrary recorded 10.

Defensively the combination of Abbie Smith and Olivia Cesaretti kept the Mariners weapons at bay with several blocks at the net.

The Mariners were playing without Player of the Year Jane Lytvynenko and had to find offence from other sources and did have Danielle Gronendijk step up with four kills.  Jacey Neid also had four kills and Sophie Krupp in her first championship came off the bench and add four more.

Following the match and banner presentation Ryan Watters caught up with a very busy Royals head coach Jeff Ross.

Players of the Match
Royals – Ava Bosa
Mariners – Linnea Brickwood

Tournament All-Stars:

Vanesa Gatto – Capilano Blues
Mika Yamada – Camosun Chargers
Linnea Brickwood – VIU Mariners
Danielle Groenendijk – VIU Mariners
Ava Bosa – Douglas Royals
Lauren Attieh – Douglas Royals

Tournament MVP

Jane Kepler – Douglas Royals