Mariners suffer first loss in 2016

The Douglas Royals coming off an extremely hard fought weekend home sweep of the Camosun Chargers (Jan. 22-23) were back in action Friday night with a road trip to the Island. Instead of travelling to Victoria to allow the Chargers another crack at them, the Royals instead made their way to Nanaimo where the VIU Mariners were ready and eager to play host for the visitors.

"Friday nights at VIU are always a challenge. They have good school and community support so it was great for us to play in front of a hostile crowd." stated Royals head coach Brad Hudosn. "I thought our group rose to the occasion and handled it very well."

Douglas came prepared and the took the first two sets 25-16, 25-18 for 2-0 set lead.  In the third, with the crowd behind their Mariners, VIU would take the set 25-18.  Unable to sustain that momentum, the Royals came out strong in the fourth set withj a 25-20 victory.

"On a positive to note is Carson Heppell starting to round back into form after missing most of the 1st semester will illness and injury." added coach Hudson  "He led our team tonight both through his play and in his resolve to be a great teammate throughout."

Both team renew hostilities Saturday afternoon at 3 pm.