Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Vancouver Island University

National Champions

Second-half surge powers Mariners to a gold medal in Montreal

VIU Mariners women's basketball: 2026 CCAA National Champions
The Mariners celebrate with their championship banner after defeating the Fanshawe Falcons to earn VIU's third women's basketball national title in school history. Photo courtesy Dawson College / CCAA
Box Score
March 21, 2026

Recap courtesy the CCAA

Photos

Other recaps:

VIU Mariners 72, Fanshawe Falcons 58
The VIU Mariners are national champions.
 
After a tightly contested opening quarter, VIU seized control in the second frame and never looked back, defeating the Fanshawe Falcons 72–58 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.
 
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.
 
Tournament Awards
 
After the gold medal game, Sammy Shields was named tournament MVP, Mackenzie Cox was named a First Team All-Star, and Sarah Cook was named a Second Team All-Star.