The VIU Mariners are heading to the PACWEST provincials as the second seed in both women's and men's play. The men need only a semifinal victory to earn a berth at nationals while the women must win gold to make the national tournament. (Image Credit: Matt Carter)

By Dan Marshall

Performance Spikes

Mariners volleyball teams seeded second entering PACWEST provincials

Feb 27, 2026 | 10:11 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners volleyball teams are hoping to hit their peak at PACWEST provincials and earn their way to the CCAA nationals.

It’s a been a consistent year for the women and year of strong growth for the men’s side with both squads finishing second in the regular season.

The women finished 16-4 and drew Camosun in the provincial semi finals, while the 12-8 men will match up against Douglas College.

Men’s coach Abe Avender said his team has made big strides in the second half of their season and they only need one victory to guarantee a spot in the national tournament.

“We have a wild card to nationals so you win that semi and you’re going to NAIT to compete for a national championship. The final would be great to win and it’s always incredible to earn a banner but to get through that semi and get into the final you’re booking plane tickets to Edmonton in a few weeks.”

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Mariners volleyball teams seeded second entering PACWEST provincials

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There’s no wild card for the women so they’ll have to win provincial gold to advance to the CCAA tournament in Manitoba.

Coach Shane Hyde said even though the Mariners are playing in an all island semi final versus Camosun the team is solely focused on their own game.

“It feels like we’ve seen Camosun a lot in playoff games but for us at VIU it doesn’t really matter who our opponents are it’s about wins.”

Prior to provincials the PACWEST announced it’s league award winners and all-star selections.

On the men’s Mariners Owen Dyck was chosen as first team all-star while Rylan Van Kooten made the second team.

For the women Jordy Exner won the PACWEST Top Libero award and Grace Brisebois was named a first team all-star.

Lauren Hoard and Regan Ingram had second team all-star nods and Elisabeth Sim and Sara Hughes made the PACWEST all-rookie team.

Provincial semi final matches take place at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford on Friday, Feb. 27.

The women play at 1 p.m. and the men start at 3 p.m.

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