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Vancouver Island University

Sweep 'em Off Their Feet

Mariners pull out a late victory to start the season with two wins over Douglas

VIU Mariners women's soccer
VIU defender Ella Gignac intercepts a pass for a Douglas Royals attacker during VIU's 2-1 win. Photo: Mary Kessenich
Box Score
September 7, 2025
NANAIMO - The VIU Mariners left it until the game was almost over, but a long shot and bounce from Mary Nicholls (Ladysmith, BC) ensured VIU would earn three points on the day and six points on the weekend versus Douglas.
 
Unlike the previous game, where the Mariners came out on fire, it was the Royals who took the lead in the 10th minute with some good early pressure. After a Royals corner hit the far post, the ball bounced into the air in front of the VIU net and fifth-year Kelly Miada knocked it into the net.
 
Douglas maintained pressure throughout the first half and outshot VIU 8-5. However, the Mariners tied it up in added time as forward Maggie Thurbide (Port Coquitlam, BC) ran onto a long ball down the right wing and made a deft one-touch cross along the ground. Fifth-year Courtney Ingram (Nanaimo, BC) ran onto the ball at top speed and knocked it into the net by the far post to tie the game going into the break.
 
The Mariners dominated posession but couldn't break the Royals defence until a magical play from Nicholls with fewer than 10 minutes to go. She lined up to take a free kick from five feet behind the halfway line and sent it high towards the Royals net. The ball landed in the 18-yard box and bounced once over the head of the Royals goalkeeper and once again in front of the goal line before bounding into the net--to the delight of the delirious home fans.
 
VIU Mariners women's soccer players celebrate a goal
The Mariners rush to celebrate with Mary Nicholls after her goal put the Mariners ahead late in the match. Photo: Mary Kessenich
 
VIU largely kept possession on the Douglas side of the pitch to finish up the game and earn the win.
 
Mariners goalkeeper Brooke Ingram (Nanaimo, BC), Courtney's sister, picked up the victory.
 
Country Club DQ Player of the Game: Mary Nicholls
 
VIU Mariners women's soccer celebrates a win with the passing of a hard hat
Avery Henderson (#19) presents Mary Nicholls with the VIU player of the game hard hat to the delight of the team. Photo: Mary Kessench
 
Up Next
 
The Mariners head out on the road to play the Capilano Blues on Saturday, September 13 at 1 pm at Lillooet Park. This is followed by the first matchup against the Langara Falcons this season: Sunday, September 14 at noon at the Willoughby Stadium at the Langley Events Centre.
 
For more information, contact Matt Carter, VIU Mariners Communications & Sports Information Coordinator.