The VIU Mariners women's basketball team will raise their 2023 national championship banner ahead of their home opener on Oct. 26 versus Capilano. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Champs are Back

New look VIU Mariners women’s basketball team ready to defend 2023 national title

Oct 26, 2023 | 2:34 PM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners basketball teams are ready for tip-off on a new season.

It’s extra special for the women’s program as a 2023 CCAA national championship banner will be raised and members of the squad will receive their championship rings prior to their first game on Thursday, Oct. 26.

VIU women’s coach Tony Bryce had his focus on getting off to a good start in a pair of road games last weekend, as the Mariners were successful with 61-43 and 62-31 wins over Douglas College.

With the home opener on the horizon, Bryce is excited to see some of his 2023 players returning to be recognized and he hopes their success can inspire his current roster.

“We’ve clipped stuff from last year for this year’s team to watch,” Bryce said. “To watch the precision and execution and pride in the way that group operated. You hope they can learn from that, it takes a lot of work to be a championship calibre team. We’re going to have to find out if this group wants to put in the same level of work required.”

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While the Mariners are dealing with a large amount of roster turnover, Bryce said the goal is always to win a championship.

“We’ve got a handful of returning pieces but more new pieces than returning pieces so a tonne of work to do for sure. We’ve tried to reload for sure, we’ve added some transfers and international transfers. It’s a combination of experience but also added some quality freshmen as well.”

Bryce likes to challenge his teams with difficult opponents in the preseason, and this year was no different.

He scheduled games with opponents from Thompson Rivers University, the University of Victoria, and Keyano College.

“I like us to get tested, I like us to get beat, I like to find out how mentally and physically tough some of our players are by being tested.”

As the women put their 2-0 record on the line versus Capilano, the men’s Mariners will do likewise.

Men’s coach Matt Kuzminski’s squad beat Douglas 81-70 and 111-62 in week one.

Game time for the women is 6 p.m. on Thursday with fans asked to be in their seats by 5:30 for the banner raising. The men will then tip off at 8 p.m.

Both teams also play again Friday night at the VIU gym.

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