Mariners Advance

The VIU Mariners were tested in their semi-final against the fourth seeded COTR Avalanche winning it in a fifth and deciding set.

The Avalanche took control early winning the first two sets 25-20 and 25-17 and looked to have momentum.  However there is good reason the Mariners are the four-time defending national champions as they roared back to win the next three sets and the match 25-19, 25-19 and 15-10.  They have advanced to the gold medal match for the ninth consecutive time and will face the Camosun Chargers.

Cassidy Kitchen was outstanding for the Mariners with 11 kills, unofficially and was named the Player of the Match.  Megan Duffy suffered an injury which forced the Mariners hand to bring in Sophie Krupp off the bench and she answered the bell with seven kills and several great defensive plays.

The Avalanche let this one slip away and will now play for bronze against the Douglas Royals.  Setter Trista Longhurst was named the Player of the Match but they had contributions from several players including Rose Howard and Abby Betker.

Following the match Ryan Watters talked with Mariners head coach Shane Hyde.