Golden Mariners
The VIU Mariners are back-to-back PACWEST champs in 2026
VIU Mariners 61
Douglas Royals 43
The Mariners put on a clinic in the first half of the women’s gold medal game on Saturday night and are 2026 PACWEST champions.
By halftime the Mariners had jumped out to a 41-6 lead completely dominating the Royals on both ends of the floor. Their defence was fast and swarmed to the ball not allowing the Royals to get into a rhythm while shooting the lights out on the offensive side. Their defence shut out the Royals in the second quarter, outscoring them 17-0 following their 24-6 first quarter.
The Royals showed fight in the second half and played better outscoring the Mariners 37-20 but ran out of time trying to dig themselves out of the first half hole. That fight will serve them well moving forward this season.
Offensively the Mariners finished the game shooting 38% and were balanced with nine different scorers as they scored by committee. Sarah Cook led the way with 11 points while Sammy Shields finished with 10 off the bench, grabbed six steals and was named the Player of the Game. Defensively they held the Royals to 30% shooting and forced 24 turnovers.
It’s the second consecutive gold medal for the Mariners and eighth in school history. They will head to Quebec for the CCAA national championship tournament as Conference champions where they will be joined by the Royals who have earned a wildcard berth.
Following the game the tournament All-Stars and MVP were announced:
All-Stars:
Maddy Coffin – Capilano Blues
Mackenzie Dalphond – Douglas Royals
Laurne Clements – Dougals Royals
Trista Thorn – VIU Mariners
Kaia Simpson – VIU Mariners
Tournament MVP – Mackenzie Cox – VIIU Mariners