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Vancouver Island University

Playoff Preview: Going for Gold

Mariners look to defeat the conference-leading Capilano Blues and win their third straight PACWEST championship

VIU Mariners vs Capilano Blues women's volleyball
VIU's Lauren Hoard spikes an over-bump during a January 16th game between VIU and Capilano at the VIU Gym. Hoard and the Mariners will have their hands full trying to slow down the 19-1 Blues in the PACWEST conference final. Photo: Matt Carter
Recap
February 28, 2026

Abbotsford - The Capilano Blues are ranked first the country and have had a nearly flawless season. The Mariners, ranked fifth, have more postseason history on their side and are appearing in the conference championship game for the 12th consecutive season. Only one can claim conference gold and a trip to the 2026 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship.

Who, When & Where

  • PACWEST Championship Final: VIU Mariners (16-4, 1-0 postseason, second seed in the PACWEST, CCAA ranked #5) vs Capilano Blues (19-1, 1-0 postseason, first seed in the PACWEST, CCAA ranked #1)
  • Saturday, February 28 at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, 5:30 pm 
  • Visit the Tournament Website for more details

Tune In

The game will be streamed on PACWEST TV on YouTube.

Head-To-Head

The Blues took three of four matches against the Mariners this season. In November in North Vancouver, the Blues won 3-1 and 3-2. The Blues opened up a January set in Nanaimo with a 3-0 win but the Mariners responded the next day with a 3-2 victory--the only loss the Blues have suffered this season.

The Mariners have won their last eight matches while the Blues have won their last seven.

Capilano won bronze last season and are going for their first conference title since 1986. The Mariners have won the last two conference championships.

Watch Out Now

Capilano: The Blues were rewarded for their excellent season with plenty of year-end awards: Abby Betker (Player of the Year, Top Outside Hitter, First Team All-Star); Sue Soolsma (Coach of the Year); Natalie Rourke (Top Middle, Second Team All-Star); and Nnya Mbaoma (First Team All-Star). Setter Mollie English was named Blues player of the match in Capilano's semifinal win over Douglas College.

VIU: Regan Ingram was excellent in VIU's semifinal win over Camosun and setter Edan Wade was named VIU's player of the match.

The Stakes

The PACWEST conference does not have a wildcard entry into the 2026 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship, so the conference gold medal winner will be the only team to represent the PACWEST at nationals. The tournament takes place March 11-14, hosted by Providence University College in the Town of Niverville, Manitoba.

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