Brent Mutis
CapU Blues sports info

There were some positive developments and good moments for the Capilano Blues as they opened their 2024-25 PACWEST season at Camosun College, just not enough to overcome a strong host Chargers side.

Camosun took both ends of the weekend set by 3-1 scores. CapU took the first set Friday night only to have the Chargers reply with three straight set wins of their own. On Saturday, the Blues replied winning the second set after Camosun took the first but the Chargers claimed sets three and four.

Friday’s season opener got off on the right note with a the Blues taking the opening set 25-20 but some wonky passing, slow offensive execution and untimely errors undid the night for CapU.

“We had a tough challenge from Camosun,” said Blues second-year head coach John Swanson. “They played well and raised their level of play each match.

“We will continue to focus on our serve receive and getting a quicker tempo when in system.”

Nnya Mbaoma led the Blues attack Friday with 11 kills on 35 swings while Annika Kuznik posted the next highest kill count with six. Ella Green showed well in her Blues debut at libero with nine digs and was near flawless on serve receive, making a good first pass for setter Mollie English.

The rematch on Saturday afternoon saw the Chargers get out of the gate first but Capilano replied to even it at one set apiece. Again, the Blues got in their own way with some errors and let Camosun off the hook late in sets with service miscues.

Capilano will look for their first win of the season coming up on Friday when the host Douglas College in a 6 p.m. start at CapU’s Centre for Sport and Wellness. The teams will also play Saturday with first serve at 5 p.m.