Brent Mutis
CapU sports info
Barcha Hnizdilova's fifth consecutive double-double plus 12 points from Camie Ward propelled the Capilano Blues to a 72-64 win Saturday afternoon that capped a weekend sweep on home court of the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners.
The win moves CapU to 13-3, one game up on 12-4 VIU who have now lost four straight.
Women's Basketball Post-Game Interview
We spoke with 4th-year guard Camie Ward about her game, the team's strong start and their team unity, and taking 1st place in the @pacwestbc.#GoBlues #NorthVan #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/gN2d0aFyVN— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) January 21, 2024
WBB | The Blues defeat the @VIUMariners 72-64 sweeping the weekend series and taking sole possession of 1st place in the @pacwestbc!
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) January 21, 2024
Leading the way is Hnizdilova with 16 PTS & 10 REB, Abo with 13 PTS & 6 AST, and Ward with 12 PTS & 5 REB.#GoBlues #BleedBlue #CapU #NorthVan pic.twitter.com/2QaaoAhh7S
Capilano started strong Saturday by holding VIU to just eight points in the opening quarter while scoring 21 themselves. After being held off the scoresheet Friday, Ward was all over the court to get going Saturday as she made three layups within the first four minutes. The fourth-year guard also grabbed two boards in the first quarter and assisted on a three from Kirsten Abo, the 100th made three in Abo's Blues career.
Maddy Coffin helped the Blues grow their lead in the third quarter as she had six of her nine points and four of her eight rebounds in the frame.
VIU played desperate basketball in the fourth quarter and upped the defensive pressure, using a full-court press late in the game. The Mariners' increased intensity allowed them to close what was a 19-point Blues lead after three quarters, getting to within seven with 1:42 to go. Abo was fouled repeatedly in the final minute and went 5-of-6 from the charity stripe to help secure the win.
In Friday's opener, the Blues were trailing by two heading to the fourth quarter but got 15 points in the final frame from Abo on their way to a 65-57 home win over VIU.
WBB | Final score 65-57 as the Blues make a late charge and defeat the visiting @VIUMariners.
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) January 20, 2024
Rematch tomorrow at 1 pm!
Leading the way is Abo with 27 PTS & 5 REB, Hnizdilova with 18 PTS & 13 REB, and Manson with 12 PTS & 6 REB.#GoBlues #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/637l19gl08
Abo was 4-for-4 from downtown in the final frame as part of a game-high 27 points. Her triple with 28 seconds to go put the Blues ahead for good. The fifth-year point guard also added five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Hnizdilova recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. She was 8-of-9 from the free throw line on the night and was perfect on four attempts in the fourth quarter as well.
The Blues host Douglas College next weekend, Jan. 26 and 27. The Friday game is a 6 p.m. start and Saturday's contest tips of at 4 p.m.
