Mariners Survive

The VIU Mariners survived the PACWEST semi-final with a thrilling fifth set victory over the Camosun Chargers on Friday afternoon.

The Mariners looked to be in command, winning the first two sets 25-21 and 25-22.  When all looked lost for the Chargers they turned to Erica Bolick who led them back in the third set from both the service line and her play the net.  She willed her team to a 25-17 victory which built momentum for her club going into the fourth set.  She and Daelyn Jeffers continued their hot play and led the Chargers to a 25-18 win forcing a decisive fifth set with so much on the line.

In that final set the Mariners regained their energy and looked to Grace Brisbois.  The lefty came alive in the fifth set and led her team to a 15-8 win from the service line, from her net play and even her defence.  She finished with 10 kills in the match along with an ace.

With the win the Mariners will play for PACWEST gold and punched their ticket to the CCAA national championship happening in two weeks in Alberta.

The Mariners were so balanced thanks to their quarterback Linnea Brickwood. The veteran setter was terrific getting her team involved and kept the pressure on the Chargers defence.  Aimee Skinner showed why she was named Rookie of the Year with 14 kills and Megan Duffy was outstanding with eight kills and was a force in the middle with several blocks. 

Libero Emma Schill was a rock defensively and was named Player of the Match seemingly getting to every ball that came over the net, tasked with digging the kill attempts from Bolink.  The libero position is not a natural spot for Schill but she played it beautifully.

Despite the defence focused on her, Bolink was brilliant leading the Chargers offence with 20 kills and five aces.  She was named Player of the Match.

The Mariners play for gold on Saturday at 5:30pm with the Chargers playing for bronze at 1:00pm.