By Dan Marhsall

VIU soccer teams tune-up for PACWEST provincials with busy weekend

Oct 21, 2016 | 4:44 PM

NANAIMO — The PACWEST Soccer Provincials are just around the corner and the VIU Mariner men will get a look at one of their potential opponents this weekend.

Saturday VIU will host Capilano at 3:30 p.m. in a battle of the two best men’s teams in the PACWEST.

Capilano boasts a record of 9-0-1, while the second place Mariners are sitting at 6-3-1 with two games left in the season. VIU hasn’t beat Capilano yet this season but if the Mariners are going to win a provincial title they’ll likely have to go through the Blues.

Men’s coach Bill Merriman says this weekend against Cap and Quest on Sunday (2:30 p.m.) will be a chance for the squad to get into playoff form.

“I think there’s still some work that we need to do,” said Merriman. “I’m really happy with the players when we’re all on. I think there are a few players that still away from the game need to get more focussed and ready. I think that’s going to be the biggest difference. That’s why our season’s been a little bit more up and down this year. I think once they get focussed and realize that we’re into the big games then that will happen.”

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The top four teams will advance to the Provincials in Burnaby next weekend and Merriman has high expectations for his team leaders.

“We’re hoping Victor Blasco, who’s returned from the White Caps, will help with the offensive part of the game. A new player from Japan, Shun Takano, has been doing very well this year and he’ll be kind of our engine in the middle of the park. We have Jeff Travis our captain with Mateo Kostering at centre back. Those players are the ones we look for going in to show that leadership in each part of the field.”

It’s not certain yet but Merriman thinks VIU will play Douglas College in the second versus third game next weekend. For now, all of his focus is on the task at hand.

Meanwhile the Mariner women have their playoff tune-ups against Capilano and Quest at Merle Logan Field as well.

Their games are at 1 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. Sunday.

The third place women will be the favourite for both games, with the Blues in fourth place and the Kermodes in fifth in the PACWEST standings.

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Other local teams in action this weekend:

VIU Mariners

Women’s Volleyball vs. Camosun – Friday 6 p.m., VIU Gymnasium

Men’s Volleyball vs. Camosun – Friday 8 p.m., VIU Gymnasium

Women’s Volleyball @ Camosun – Saturday 5 p.m., Camosun College

Men’s Volleyball @ Camosun – Saturday 7 p.m., Camosun College

Women’s Basketball vs Alumni (Exhibition) – Saturday 4:30 p.m., VIU Gymnasium

Men’s Basketball vs Peninsula (Exhibition) – Saturday 7 p.m., VIU Gymnasium

Men’s Basketball vs Peninsula (Exhibition) – Sunday 11 a.m., VIU Gymnasium

BCHL

Nanaimo vs. Salmon Arm – Saturday 6 p.m., Frank Crane Arena

VIJHL

Nanaimo @ Peninsula – Friday 7:30 p.m., Panorama Rec Centre

Nanaimo @ Victoria – Sunday 3:30 p.m., Archie Browning Arena

BCMML

North Island vs Vancouver NW – Saturday 5:15 p.m., Weyerhauser Arena

North Island vs Vancouver NW – Sunday 8 a.m., Frank Crane Arena

BC Highschool Football

John Barsby @ NDSS – Friday 6 p.m., Merle Logan Field

VISL

Nanaimo United FC vs Cowichan FC – Saturday 7 p.m., Merle Logan Field