The PACWEST volleyball season is set to begin with the VIU Mariners women's team striving for a record setting fifth straight national title and the men's squad looking to reload after a 2022 provincial silver medal. (Matt Carter)

By Dan Marshall

First Serve

VIU volleyball teams on different paths as new season opens

Oct 21, 2022 | 9:07 AM

NANAIMO — On the cusp of a new volleyball season for the VIU Mariners, the men’s and women’s teams are in different places.

The women are looking to make history and become the first team to win five straight CCAA national championships. They’ve already earned the opportunity to try as hosts for the 2023 national championship next March 8-11.

Women’s coach Shane Hyde admits there’s pressure being a host for for a national championship and his group is not shying away from it.

“Hosting at home makes a big impact on the stress and pressure of our team. Coinciding with the fact we could break a record and go for five national championships is something we’ve talked about instead of just not talking about it then all of a sudden it hits you.”

Hyde said sticking to the process and improving along the way will be key as the squad prepares for the home opener Oct. 21 versus Camosun.

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The team held a retreat to get away from the noise and hype of the pre-season and set out some clear plans for the year ahead.

“We talk about our goals, our missions, things that could derail us and we actually do quite a few exercises at the beginning of the year so it sets those first year players up with a little bit of knowledge of what’s to come. Our goal is definitely a little bit more long term for this season.”

Key players to watch this season for the women include fifth year centre Kayla Passmore, 2022 Player of the Year Jane Lytvynenko and setter Linnea Brickwood.

Rylan Van Kooten looks to hit through a three-man defence from the College of the Rockies Avalanche during a matchup last season. (Matt Carter/VIU)

It’s a retooling season for the men after losing seven graduating players from the the 2022 team that took the PACWEST silver medal.

For men’s coach Abe Avender, communication is going to be crucial for a very young side.

“It’s such an interesting group this year in a lot of good ways. We have one graduating player this year whereas last year we had seven guys call it a career. There are a lot of young voices and some interesting pieces to the team that make it even more exciting.”

Avender has been pleased with the dedication at practice so far and much like Hyde he believes success is process driven.

“With the skill set and the physicality of these guys, we could have a really exciting group by the end of the year. It’s definitely not all going to happen in one weekend. Hopefully by February and March we’re at our best and we can make a run at something.”

On the men’s side first time captain Emerson Cook will a take on a huge role, Daniel Mascerenas brings experience from team Brazil at the U21 world championship and starting setter Owen Dyck will be relied on as well.

The season gets underway at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the VIU gym with the women’s national championship banner raising then matches against Camosun for both the women and men.

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