Both VIU Mariners basketball teams are in first place in the PACWEST standings. The men's squad is gearing up to host the 2026 CCAA nationals March 18-21. (Image Credit: Matt Carter)

By Dan Marshall

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Second half court sports at VIU to culminate with men’s national tournament

Jan 16, 2026 | 11:13 AM

NANAIMO — The second semester is now underway for the court sports teams at Vancouver Island University.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are in first place in the PACWEST standings, the women’s volleyball squad is in second spot and the men’s volleyball team is in fourth place.

VIU will host the CCAA men’s basketball nationals March 18-21 and the school’s athletic director Danielle Hyde said the planning phase is well underway.

“We’re making good progress on hosting. We have some good community partners. We’ve hosted events recently in 2022 and 2023. We’ve rolled a similar list that we used for those championships, with a few things we want to tweak and change. It’s something really cool to bring to the community, and we have such a great basketball community in Nanaimo.”

The Mariners 11-3 record makes them the current favourite in the PACWEST and VIU sits in fifth place in the national rankings.

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Expectations are high for the women’s team as well, with a national ranking of third and a 12-2 record.

“Our coaches do a really incredible job recruiting,” Hyde said. “With our women’s team if they can stay healthy they will be a dangerous team down the stretch. There’s no secret that our coaches and our athletes are here because they love playing, and they want to win. They start their seasons off by wanting to make the national championship game.”

The women’s volleyball team is coming off a PACWEST provincial title in 2025 and a 9-3 start to the current campaign has put the Mariners in the title conversation once again.

“Women’s volleyball has created such a dynasty over the years, so their expectations going into every year are very high. The road gets harder because they have a target on their back. Sometimes getting out of our conference can be the most challenging part. The goal will be to be in Manitoba the week of March 11.”

The men’s volleyball program is looking to improve on a 5-7 record, and Hyde believes the group can make significant strides down the stretch.

“They have some athletes who have been with that program for a long time. They have some good leaders and some young talent. I think they can surprise anyone and have a strong second half.”

The VIU volleyball teams have home games against Capilano Jan. 16 and 17 while the basketball squads are in a bye week and will return to play Friday, Jan. 23 at Langara.

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