A Golden Moment

The VIU Mariners won PACWEST gold for the sixth time in school history after a 67-61 upset win over the Capilano Blues on Saturday night.

The Mariners defence was stifling creating several turnovers early on giving their offence easy baskets as they jumped out to a 16-3 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.  Their defence was the difference holding the high-powered Blues to 28% shooting.  On the offensive side the Mariners were led by Player of the Game CJ Buckley who finished with 23 points creating opportunities not only for herself but her teammates as well.   Harriette Mackenzie was a major factor down low as well with 16 points and 15 rebounds and Ranika Guyton added 11 running the point for the champs.

After their dreadful first quarter the Blues bounced back playing much better and actually outscored the Mariners in the final three quarters but couldn’t dig themselves out of the first quarter hole.  Kirsten Abo led the way and was named Player of the Game with 31 points which included five-three pointers. Rookie Venica Davignon was great on the boards for the Blues and tallied 16 rebounds and added 13 points while Madeleine Coffin scored 10.  It’s their 10^th PACWEST silver in school history.

With the victory the Mariners will now represent the PACWEST at the CCAA national championship tournament at Mohawk College in Hamilton Ontario in two weeks.

Following the game, the tournament All-Stars were announced:

Tegan Michel – Camosun Chargers
Kirsten Abo – Capilano Blues
Venica Davignon – Capilano Blues
Ranika Guyton – VIU Mariners
CJ Buckley – VIU Mariners

MVP – Harriette Mackenzie – VIU Mariners