The VIU Mariners are going after a second straight double gold medal performance at the PACWEST volleyball provincials, this time in their own gym. The tournament will be held Feb. 21 and 22. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Home Court Advantage

VIU Mariners go for double gold as PACWEST provincial volleyball hosts

Feb 21, 2025 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners won men’s and women’s provincial gold medals in 2024, and they look to duplicate the same feat on home court in 2025.

The VIU women go into the tournament on Feb. 21 as the number one seed while the men are ranked second.

Women’s coach Shane Hyde has a coaching staff and a roster loaded with championship experience.

“For every positive, there’s a negative. Obviously you’re carrying a little bit more pressure playing at home, but routine is key. You’re familiar with your team room, you’re familiar with the court and that allows you to outweigh any of the pressures that may come with hosting at home.”

After four national titles from 2018-2022 and a CCAA national silver medal in 2024, the Mariner women have aspirations to not only win the PACWEST but compete for a national gold medal.

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“We start the process of being ready for provincials day one, our first session with the team. We literally have a plan from day one to get here. So this year we definitely have been prepping our team to be ready for this weekend.”

The VIU men have had an injury riddled campaign but still finished with a 14-6 regular season.

Coach Abe Avender says the team is ready to win a second straight provincial title.

“I love this group, and we’ve worked our butts off this year and we’ve gone through a lot together and and I’m excited to have our matches be home. I feel like just the adversity that’s created, we’ve really had this next man up mentality, and I’m grateful for the depth we’ve had. We’ve been able to be pretty successful with some big pieces going down.”

The Mariners opening matches feature the women playing fourth seed Columbia College at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 followed by the men facing Douglas College Royals at 8 p.m. in a two versus three seed matchup.

The gold and bronze medal matches will take place on Feb. 22.

In the lead up to provincials VIU won a number of PACWEST awards.

Aimee Skinner was named conference women’s volleyball Player of the Year, a First Team All-Star, and Top Outside Hitter.

Other awards went to First Team All-Star Emma Schill, Second Team All-Star Grace Brisebois, All-Rookie Team setter Keira Crellin, and Top Libero Jordyn Exner.

Avender was recognized as the men’s volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the Mariners to a number two overall ranking in the CCAA.

Colby Soolsma was picked as a First Team All-Star. Setter Owen Dyck and outside hitter Rylan Van Kooten were named to the Second All-Star team.

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