By Dan Marshall

VIU Mariners Men’s Volleyball team dominates the PACWEST

Jan 20, 2017 | 7:54 AM

NANAIMO — They’ll be hosting provincials in a little over a month, and the VIU Men’s Volleyball team will look to go into the tournament as the favourite.
 
In the most recent CCAA rankings the Mariners sit at number two in the entire country with a record of 13-1.
 
Coach Abe Avender is pleased his group is getting some much deserved recognition for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.
 
“It’s cool to see when you’re recognized in the country versus just in your league.  And the guys too, I think it means a lot to see their names there. But as for our focus and what we’re doing we’re not playing every day and training as hard as we can to see our ranking, it’s more to continue to get better,” said Avender.
 
VIU has won their last five consecutive matches and they’ll be coming off of a bye week to host Columbia Bible College on Friday and Saturday. Considering CBC is 0-16 on the season the Mariners are the heavy favourites.
 
Avender says with solid veteran leadership from veterans like Zach Grigg, Ryan Marcellus, and Wayne Woyciehouski he’s not concerned about his squad taking CBC lightly.
 
“We have three fifth year athletes that are really focused in,” said Avender. “Their leadership has been a huge helper as a coach with them pushing the younger guys. Our big thing is worrying about our side of the court this year.”
 
There are still 10 matches before provincials which will be held Feb 23 to Feb 25 at Vancouver Island University.
 
Avender says he’s looking forward to hosting, something that hasn’t happened in his seven years as the Mariners head coach.
 
He feels the home court advantage will be a huge asset.
 
“A lot of that routine stuff can happen like some of the guys get together on game nights and make their meal together and do that. There’s not only the home court advantage where you train there everyday, but you get your real home – you get your own bed, you get your own kitchen, you get those kinds of things,” said Avender.  
 
The VIU Women’s team is also hosting provincial in February and Avender says there’s a real comraderie between the Men’s and Women’s sides.
 
“It’s fun because every match we play is after them so we’re there early watching and supporting the girls and I know the girls hang out afterwards and support us. It’s a great relationship and I think with the Women’s program being so strong for so long it fuels you to have a good program.”
 
On Friday the Women will play Columbia Bible College at 6 p.m. with the Men to follow at 8 p.m. and then on Saturday the Women host CBC at 1 p.m. with the Men’s game slated for 3 p.m. 

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WEEKEND SCOREBOARD

BCHL
Clippers vs Alberni Valley – Friday 7 p.m. Frank Crane Arena
Clippers @ Alberni Valley – Saturday 7 p.m. Frank Crane Arena
 
VIJHL 
Buccaneers vs Victoria – Thursday 7:15 p.m. Nanaimo Ice Centre
Buccaneers vs Peninsula – Saturday 8 p.m. Nanaimo Ice Centre
 
BCMML
Silvertips vs North West Giants – Friday 8:45 p.m Richmond Oval
Silvertips vs North West Giants – Saturday 3:15 p.m. Richmond Oval
 
VISL
Nanaimo United FC vs Bays United Liquor Plus – Saturday 7 p.m. Merle Logan Field