Brent Mutis
CapU Blues sports info
First touch finesse and some lethal execution from the Capilano Blues hitters allowed them to claim a 3-1 win in their PACWEST home opener over the visiting Camosun College Chargers.
Blues libero Monica Hoffman handled more than her share of receptions on Camosun serves, and her steady touch allowed the Blues setters, mainly Mollie English on this night, to tee it up for some big swings on the outside.
Abby Betker led the way with 19 kills, one shy of her best total with Capilano, which was from a Jan. 18 win at College of the Rockies, while Nnya Mbaoma and Annika Kuznik each put away 13.
Tidy ballhandling extended to the service line as well. Capilano didn’t hurt themselves much and didn’t give away much in the way of free points on service errors. Their smooth passing allowed them to stay in system most of the night and repeatedly set up their attackers for quality swings.
As usual, Camosun got a big night from CCAA All-Canadian Erica Bolink, who had 16 kills and four aces using her big spin serve.
The Blues’ team effort more than made up for Bolink’s damage. However, they got three aces from Natalie Rourke, plus two each from the service line by Mbaoma and Betker.
It’s a quick turnaround for both teams as Camosun will need to take an evening ferry ride back to Victoria on Saturday. The teams go at it again in a 1 p.m. start at Capilano’s North Vancouver campus.
