Mariners Win National Silver
It's the first PACWEST women's national medal in 16 years
NAIT Ooks 76
VIU Mariners 71
In front of an incredible crowd at VIU, the Mariners came up just short in overtime of the CCAA national championship gold medal game and claimed the silver. This is the first women’s basketball national medal for a PACWEST school since 2006.
Both teams did play outstanding defence and shots did not come easy. The Mariners shot just 29% from the field led by Shayce Johnson’s 16 points and 14 rebounds. Ranika Guyton and Sydney Fetterly each chipped in with 11 while point guard Amber Lease in her final collegiate game collected nine and had eight assists.
Defensively the Mariners held the ACAC wildcard team to 32% shooting, forced 22 turnovers and tallied 10 steals.
Each team had an opportunity to win the game in regulation however strong defence on both sides didn’t allow for an uncontested shot. In the extra session the Ooks outscored the Mariners 11-6 to claim their school’s first ever national gold medal.
Following the game the CCAA announced Harriette Mackenzie and Amber Lease as First Team All-Stars.