The VIU Mariners women's volleyball team lines up after a bronze medal game loss to Humber, who also defeated them on the tournament's opening night. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
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VIU Mariners earn pair of 4th place finishes at volleyball nationals

Mar 12, 2023 | 5:54 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners women’s volleyball team will have to settle for a fourth place finish, after winning four straight national championships.

The nearly-unprecedented dynasty was disrupted through an opening night loss to Humber, then compounded further by missing the podium thanks to another four-set loss to the Hawks on Saturday, March 11.

Humber got out to a quick start, claiming the opening two sets 25-20 and 25-18 before the Mariners rallied to claim the third 25-19.

A tense fourth set needed extra points with the Hawks claiming a national bronze medal with a 26-24 win.

Cassidy Kitchen was named player of the game for the Mariners, played in front of a near-capacity crowd at the university gym.

CCAA women’s volleyball player of the year Jane Lytvynenko looks for a hill in the fourth set of their bronze medal game against Humber. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

In Toronto, the men also finished fourth after dropping their bronze medal game Saturday against the Briercrest Clippers in straight sets: 25-22, 27-25, 25-19.

It’s not the end of the athletic season for the VIU Mariners, as both their men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete at nationals beginning midweek.

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