Firing on All Cylinders

VIU posts back-to-back 3-0 wins over the Douglas Royals

VIU Mariners women's volleyball - starting lineup introductions — Jordy Exner (middle) runs by her teammates during starting lineup introductions on January 31 at the VIU Gym. Exner was named VIU's women's volleyball athlete of the week after earning 27 digs over the weekend. Photo: Mary Kessenich

February 2, 2026

NANAIMO - The Mariners played sharply and were brimming with confidence in their first games back after a bye week: two 3-0 victories on home court over the Douglas Royals.

JANUARY 30: VIU 3 Douglas 0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-16)

Outside hitter Lauren Hoard led the way in a decisive VIU victory to open the weekend.

Hoard, who was named Country Club Dairy Queen player of the game, counted a team-high 10 kills and added 12 digs over the three sets. Libero Jordy Exner led the team with 14 digs and setter Edan Wade went the distance for the Mariners.

Grace Brisebois, with 6 kills, 3 aces, and a block, and Regan Ingram, with 8 kills, an ace, and a block, kept the Mariners offense firing from the outside.

JANUARY 31: VIU 3 Douglas 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-19)

The Royals offered more pushback on Saturday afternoon but the home team held steady in every set on the way to another 3-0 win.

Hoard led the VIU hit parade again and earned 12 kills while Grace Brisebois earned 8.

Exner counted 13 digs and was named Country Club Dairy Queen player of the game. On Monday, she was named VIU women's volleyball athlete of the week.

20-Sweet-16

VIU Mariners women's volleyball - 2016 reunion

Members of the 2015-16 VIU women's volleyball national championship team were recognized after Saturday's game and presented wtih Mariners championship scarves courtesy of VIU Advancement and Alumni. L-R: Tylar Turnbull, Kathleen Konar, Chantal Cumming, Megan Rosenlund, Kelsey Hutt, assistant coach Jas Shahi, and head coach Shane Hyde. [Photo: Mary Kessenich]

Up Next

VIU (12-4) heads out on the long road trip to Cranbrook, BC to face the COTR Avalanche (6-10) on February 6 and 7.

With four games remaining, the Mariners have clinched a top-2 spot in the PACWEST conference and will compete at the PACWEST provincial volleyball championships on February 27 and 28. COTR is part of a four-team logjam of schools trying to claim the final two postseason spots along with Camosun (6-10), Douglas (5-11), and Columbia Bible College (4-12). The team above the Mariners, the Capilano Blues, only needs to win one of its final four games to clinch top spot in the conference.

The Mariners finish off the regular season with home games versus CBC on February 13 and 14 at the VIU Gym.

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