Preview: Opening Weekend

NANAIMO – The defending PACWEST conference champion VIU Mariners have added some high-level pieces to the team and will put them to the test early in a season-opening set against the the Douglas Royals.

When & Where

• Saturday, September 6 at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium at Nanaimo District Secondary School, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Junk in our Trunk
• Sunday, September 7 at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Viacore Solutions

All VIU soccer games are free to attend. 

*There is considerable construction happening at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium until October. Fans are asked to park at the Nanaimo Ice Centre or Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Access to the west side of the pitch, including the washrooms, is limited. Portable toilets by the east bleachers and bathrooms in the Aquatic Centre will be available.

Tune In

Home games will be streamed live on YouTube.

Coach's Comment

Head coach Bobbie Taylor on her team's strengths: "I've heard from multiple players that our cohesiveness is ahead of where it has been in the past. That's exciting, and we just have to keep that trajectory going: building on a very athletic and versatile team."

Student Voices

NanaimoNewsNow reporter Dan Marshall interviews VIU's Courtney Ingram after a midweek practice. Photo: Matt Carter

Midfielder Courtney Ingram (Nanaimo, BC) was asked about the challenges of playing in a small conference. "The biggest thing for us is not to overthink it. Yes, we know our opponents well, but we need to focus on tactics and focus on our game."

She is also excited for starting the season at home. "The feeling of having fans in the stands is like no other. It pushes us to do better and brings an amazing connection to our community--especially young girls' soccer." 

Head-To-Head in 2024

VIU earned two 1-0 victories over Douglas in Nanaimo last season with goalkeeper Kaiden Thorpe (Kimberley, BC) earning both shutouts. Taylor Kinley, who graduated after last season, and Jade Dillabough (Calgary, AB) scored the VIU goals.

The Mariners didn't fare as well in their road matchups at Douglas, earning a 1-1 tie in September and dropping a 3-2 decision in October. 

Watch Out Now

Douglas: the Royals boast an experienced lineup that includes five fifth-year student-athletes, including Isabelle Dobbin, a CCAA All-Canadian and the conference's top goal scorer in 2024. The Royals also list three goalkeepers in their fourth year of varsity eligibility.

VIU: PACWEST tournament MVP Dillabough finished second in conference goals last season. Conference co-rookie of the year Avery Henderson (Nanaimo, BC) and Dillabough both gained valuable experience with League1 BC's Nanaimo United FC this summer and return to VIU as key parts of this year's lineup.

Fresh Faced First Years

The Mariners feature four first-year student-athletes on head coach Bobbie Taylor's roster: Julia Sanderson (Kamloops, BC), Catie Musselman (North Vancouver, BC), Mary Huggill (Canmore, AB), and Tianna Chau (Cowichan Bay, BC). 

Transfers

• Erin Jensen (Nanaimo, BC) brings three seasons of U Sports experience with UVic to the Mariners and will line up as a striker. 
• Mary Nicholls (Ladysmith, BC), sister of former Mariner Georgia Nicholls, is a two-time U Sports national champion with UBC and will be counted on as a key defender.
• Jada Kamerman (Nanaimo, BC) returns to the Island after spending the 2023 season with Tarleton State, an NCAA Div I program in Texas.

Fifth Years

Courtney Ingram is the sole fifth-year in the VIU lineup.

Last Line of Defence

Courtney's sister Brooke Ingram joins Thorpe as VIU 'keepers again this season.

'Round the World

Defender Hannah Wagner (Sequim, WA, USA) is the sole international student-athlete on VIU's roster this season. 

For more information, please contact VIU Mariners Communications & Sports Information Coordinator Matt Carter.