Slaying the Geants

The VIU Mariners will play for CCAA national gold after a semifinal victory over RSEQ’s Geants de Saint-Jean 62-55.

Down by two heading into the final quarter, the Mariners rallied, pushed the pace and outscored the Geants 18-10 en route to the victory on Thursday night in Montreal.

When they needed a spark on the offensive side head coach Tony Bryce turned to Sammy Shields.  The first year Mariner was instant offence and finished with a team high 16 points, pulled down seven rebounds and made four steals on the defensive side and was named the Player of the Game.   Trista Thorn also made a major impact in her 32 minutes of floor time collecting 14 points and 10 rebounds and Kiayra Hohlweg added 12 points and seven boards.

On the defensive side they held the Geants to 27% shooting, forced 15 turnovers, collected seven steals and three blocks.

With the win the Mariners advance to the national championship game for the first time since 2023 and will look to become the second straight PACWEST gold medal winner following the CBC Bearcats win last year.  They will meet the OCAA champion Fanshawe Falcons, who won their semifinal in overtime.  Tip off of the gold medal game is set for Saturday at 4:30pm PST.