The VIU Mariners will begin a double header of volleyball Nov. 5 with a banner raising for the 2020 CCAA women's volleyball national championship. (Northfield Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Serving Up Success

VIU Mariners primed for new season & long overdue championship celebration

Nov 4, 2021 | 6:43 PM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners are about to kick off their PACWEST volleyball season, by paying an overdue tribute to a special team.

The Mariners will open at home with women’s and men’s matches against Camosun on Friday, Nov. 5, with a banner raising planned at 5:45 p.m. to honour the 2020 CCAA women’s championship team.

With no season a year ago, the 2020 women’s squad will finally be recognized for winning a third straight national title just as the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting down sports all across North America.

“It really has been a long time,” coach Shane Hyde said as he reflected on how much had changed since the team won the CCAA title. “People have graduated and moved on in their careers and some are even playing professionally.”

Opening weekend sees both the women’s and men’s Mariners play Camosun on Friday and Saturday. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men at 8 p.m. both nights.

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Hyde has reached out to all the players hoping they can attend in person or watch the ceremony online.

The Mariner women have won three straight national titles and four in five years.

Hyde knows there will be a target on the back of the program and he’s already addressed it with the players.

“We let them know what this program means to the players who built it and our alumni. It’s important for our young players to know about the legacy they’ve left.”

The Mariners men’s team has high expectations for the season as well.

They finished second in the PACWEST in 2019-20 but lost out in the bronze medal match at provincials.

Coach Abe Avender said the squad comes back intact despite nearly 600 days between games.

“We didn’t lose anyone because of eligibility. We had four guys who would have graduated but because of school commitments they’ve stayed. I’m happy to get to give it another run this year.”

The men haven’t had many exhibition matches but they’ve been putting in a lot of on court reps to prepare.

“My big picture goal is to be top two or three in the league and see what playoffs brings.”

Avender is excited to get back playing and see how his group stacks up with the rest of the PACWEST.

The team will be led by veterans like Jeff Webb, Isaac Bevis, Jordan Davis and Daniel Mascarenhas.

“Those guys are solid leaders but a lot of our young guys have stepped up already. You can see the vibe is really good with this team.”

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