The VIU Mariners women's volleyball team earned the thrill of winning the provincial championship in their home gym.
Vancouver Island University hosted the Pacific Western Athletic Association championships this past weekend, Feb. 20-22, and both home teams medalled with the women winning gold and the men taking bronze.
VIU's women faced the Camosun Chargers in the gold-medal match, and dropped the first set before taking over and winning 17-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18.
Shane Hyde, VIU coach, said the Mariners are still learning how to be champions and players are figuring out what it means to represent the program.
"It's a process of carrying some heavy, heavy weights in terms of the stress of playing here and the pressure of playing here and they're learning that and I think today they showed it," he said.
He said Camosun came out ready to play, but he said VIU's best players showed they were still able to raise their game another level.
Megan Duffy, VIU veteran, said her team took a deep breath and calmed down in the second set. At that point, she said, the Mariners felt like they knew what Camosun was throwing at them and just needed to start playing their own game.
"We were able to rally back really hard and be there for each other and that brought us through to the end," she said.
The crowd was a factor, keeping the gym rocking all match long.
"We couldn't have asked for better fans tonight," said Aimee Skinner, who was tournament MVP. "They were super loud and so energetic. They kept us going."
Hyde said he loved seeing the support from youths from the community, as well as fans who came from around the Island and other parts of the province.
"We put on a performance, both Camosun and VIU," he said. "It's something I cherish a ton, seeing this gym filled, because we have some of the greatest fans and I want them to know that and I want our institution to know that, too."
Nationals will be in Durham, Ont., from March 5-8.
"I think we're going to go all the way," Skinner said. "We've got a great group and a great coaching staff – we're so excited."
Skinner led VIU with 21 kills, Duffy had 10, and Regan Ingram was selected player of the match. Duffy and Jordyn Exner were chosen tournament all-stars along with the MVP Skinner.
In the men's bronze-medal match, VIU defeated Camosun 25-23, 25-18, 25-22. VIU's Max McDonald was player of the match, Colby Soolsma led the attack with 12 kills, and Owen Dyck was chosen a tournament all-star. The Douglas Royals won the PacWest championship, defeating the College of the Rockies Avalanche in the final.
