The Nation's Best

Story courtesy of the CCAA

The PACWEST champion VIU Mariners are now CCAA national champions after a domaining 72-58 victory over the OCAA champion Fanshawe Falcons on Saturday.

After a tightly contested opening quarter, VIU seized control in the second frame and never looked back, defeating the Falcons to claim the CCAA title.

Fanshawe held an early edge, leading 18–16 after the first quarter, but VIU responded with a decisive 26-point second quarter to take a 42–35 halftime lead. That momentum carried through the second half, where the Mariners’ defensive pressure and perimeter shooting proved decisive.

VIU’s balanced attack was led by Sarah Cook with 18 points, while Samantha Shields added 17 and Kaia Simpson chipped in 10 off the bench. The Mariners were particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting an efficient 47.6% from three-point range.  Mackenzie Cox, playing in her final colliegate game ran the Mariners offence to perfect and was solid on the defensive side.  She was named the Player of the Game recording nine points, six assists, four steals and two rebounds.

Fanshawe was paced by Ashlyn Anderson’s double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) and Edith Eseme’s 14 points, but struggled with turnovers and second-half shooting, finishing at 39% from the field.

VIU’s depth and composure ultimately separated the teams, as they closed out the game with a controlled fourth quarter to secure the national championship.

Following the game the tournament All-Stars were announced and three PACWEST student athletes heard their name called:

Second Team All-Stars

Sarah Cook – VIU Mariners
Lauren Clements – Douglas Royals

First Team All-Star

Mackenzie Cox