Lauren Grey
Blues Crew, Communications
The Blues wrapped up their regular season with a tough five-set loss to the VIU Mariners this afternoon (20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 28-26, 13-15).
Afternoon games typically draw a smaller crowd, but that wasn't the case today as fans filled the stands for the Blues final regular season match. Despite the loss, the Blues will head into the PACWEST Provincial Tournament as the second seed behind VIU. This is the best finish by the Blues in recent years. Last year, they finished third in the PACWEST with a record of 9-11. This year, they finished in second with an overall record of 12-8. The Blues are also currently ranked fifth in the country and have been for the past few weeks.
Today's game started with the Blues going on a 5-0 run to open the game, with a couple of big plays from 3rd-year Natalie Rourke, who ended up finishing the game with three aces. The question for the Blues was if they could sustain the pressure of the hard hitters of VIU and keep their momentum. The first two sets saw VIU win, but the Blues fought hard throughout both sets. Every time the Mariners pulled ahead, the Blues found a way to claw their way back.
In the third and fourth sets, the Blues made some huge plays in crunch time to force a fifth and final set.
The final set saw more of the same, with massive rallies and big plays from both sides. Unfortunately, the Blues fell short of the comeback, and the Mariners took it in the dying seconds.
While the loss stings, the competition throughout the entire game was evident. All sets were close, and no one could pull away; it made for a fascinating match. If the energy and enthusiasm the Blues brought this weekend carry over into next week, they'll be in great shape. But they'll need to harness that same intensity at a loud and packed VIU gym in Nanaimo as they host the PACWEST Provincial Championship.
With a few tweaks to their play, they will be well-positioned to face the Camosun Chargers in next week's Provincial semi-final.
Overall, the Blues head into provincials with confidence. They're backed by an intense season in which many key players consistently showcase their talents. With their second-place finish and the momentum of their consistent play throughout the year, they're ready to make a serious push at the PACWEST tournament.
Several of the Blues had big nights in this five-set showdown.
- Nnya Mbaoma had 14 kills tonight, once again proving she is a tremendous offensive force.
- Abby Betker finished with 13 kills and five blocks, playing both sides of the ball well.
- 4th-year Annika Kuznik had a big day with 12 kills, three blocks and two aces.
- Sibby Bos also proved herself a top scorer with 13 kills and two aces.
- Stats aren't always there to highlight liberos, but Ella Green had a stand-out game, making some borderline impossible digs late in the match that lit the gym up.
With the regular season behind them, the Blues will head to Nanaimo next week for the PACWEST Provincial Championships. Their first game is the semi-final at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 21, where they'll face the third-ranked Chargers.
Come out and support your Blues in Nanaimo! If you can't make it, catch the live stream.
Leading the way in this afternoon's narrow defeat:
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) February 16, 2025
Mbaoma - 14 K
Betker - 13 K, 5 BLK
Bos - 13 K, 2 ACE, 1 BLK
Kuznik - 12 K, 3 BLK, 2 ACE
Rourke - 8 K, 3 ACE, 2 BLK#GoBlues #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/wLO5f0nw1l
