The VIU Mariners women's soccer team won their second straight provincial championship with a 6-1 win over Capilano Oct. 26. The men earned silver with a 1-0 loss to Douglas in the final. Both teams will advance to the CCAA nationals. (VIU Mariners Instagram)

By Dan Marshall

Nationals Bound

VIU Mariners women win gold, men earn silver at PACWEST soccer provincials

Oct 28, 2019 | 1:33 PM

NANAIMO — Gold and silver medals came back home from the PACWEST soccer provincials for the VIU Mariners.

The women won gold with a convincing 6-1 win over Capilano on Saturday, while the men earned a silver medal after a 1-0 loss to Douglas College in Burnaby.

Women’s coach Kevin Lindo said his players didn’t show any signs of being nervous in winning a second straight provincial title.

“They were stronger than they’ve ever been. Being together and encouraging each other has gone a long way during the season and it all came together on the day that counts.”

Both Mariners teams will advance to the CCAA soccer nationals Nov. 6-9.

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The women will play in Edmonton while the men, who earned a wild card spot, will advance to Oshawa.

In 2018 the Mariners women didn’t finish with a medal and Lindo said there’s a different feeling this time.

“We had nine first years last year and we just wanted to go and enjoy it. Now it’s a little bit of a different outlook and mentality towards it. Now we actually want to go there and get some success.”

There were plenty of highlights for the women in 2019 with a first place season and an 8-1-3 record.

Individual accolades came as well with Kanae Yamamoto named PACWEST Women’s Player of the Year, Taylor Kinley taking Rookie of the Year and Kevin Lindo earning Coach of the Year.

As well Yamamoto, Cara Dunlop, Chloe Gummer, and Saki Meshida were league all-stars.

For the VIU men the regular season yielded a first place finish as well at 7-2-3.

Not to be outdone for end of season awards Shun Takano won PACWEST Men’s Player of the Year, Michael Heppelle captured Rookie of the Year and Larry Stefanek was named Coach of the Year.

All-star selections went to Takano, Billy Bagiopoulos, Grayson Chalifoux, and Diego Corlazzoli.

The Mariners teams will both play their opening games at nationals on Nov. 6.

The women will start at 2 p.m. against Seneca College while the men begin their journey at 9:30 a.m. versus Lethbridge.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77