The VIU Mariners volleyball teams made the CCAA national tournament last year.  The women took silver and the men won bronze. Veteran coaches Shane Hyde and Abe Avender believe the Mariners can return again in 2025. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Great Expectations

VIU Mariners volleyball open season with road matches

Oct 27, 2024 | 5:47 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners volleyball season is underway with road matches the first two weekends of the year.

The men lost both of their opening matches to College of the Rockies while the women earned two wins.

Before VIU has their home opening weekend against Capilano on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 they wrap up October with matches at Camosun.

Women’s coach Shane Hyde explained that his expectations never waver.

“Our season outlook is to win a national championship. We were close last year, we were second in the country and we have almost the same team back. We had a good preseason and little bit of a hiccup on our first night against COTR. I think we’re prepped to have a nice long run this year.”

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The men’s program has long chased a CCAA gold medal and coach Abe Avender believes this might be the team to do it.

“The sourness of losing the semi in the last nationals is still there with a lot of us. Two guys left of so the rest of the core crew is still here. The one banner that we’ve been dreaming of for years and years, this group has the focus and motivation to get back there. The boys are aiming for that for sure.”

Hyde said he puts a lot of faith in the veterans to lead the way for the Mariners.

“We have a model that allows our players to take control of the team. It’s not a coach based team but we are there to be a reminder or get them back on track. It’s the veterans year after year that pass the torch. One of the things I’m most proud of is year after year we’re the team to beat. Some years we do it and other years it doesn’t pan out. I take a lot of pride in it and so do the athletes. That culture is very strong for sure.”

The early season is a time for teaching and establishing team concepts according to Avender.

He looks at the two school semesters very differently.

“Process is important in the first semester because you have to get your systems in place. In February that’s when we need to be our best. With VIU hosting provincials the this year it’s going to be a super exciting one. This will only the second time hosting a PACWEST championship in 15 years of me being here.”

Both Mariners teams will have a large veteran presence with the women bringing in a handful of newcomers and the men losing only a pair of players from their 23-24 squad.

VIU will host PACWEST Provincials on Feb. 21 and 22 of 2025.

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