Maddy Coffin
Blues Crew Communications
The Capilano Blues women’s volleyball team opened the 2026 semester in fine form, with a 3-0 win (set scores: 25-17, 25-18, 25-23) Friday night at the Centre for Sport and Wellness against the visiting Douglas College Royals.
From the first set, the Blues controlled the tempo. Outside hitters Abby Betker and Nnya Mbaoma were tremendous, both delivering dominant kills that helped the Blues maintain their early advantage. Middle blocker Anna Liniewski and setter Mollie English helped keep the offense balanced. With a growing lead, first-year middle blocker Quinn Laird and transfer Alix Schewaga were able to see some time on the court. Such kills from Mbaoma in particular forced the Royals to call an early timeout with the Clues up 14–9, but this did little to slow the Capilano’s momentum. Betker’s impressive backrow kill brought the Blues to set game point before Mbamoa finished the set with an intense kill to secure the first set.
Capilano again jumped out to an early lead in the second set. Mbaoma delivered two aces alongside her numerous kills, while Sibby Bos added a strong offensive presence with further key kills. Betker continued to apply pressure, forcing another Royals timeout at 9–4. A combined block by Mmboa and Bos highlighted a dominant push that had the Blues at 21–11. The Blues closed the second set in stride, as a block by Bos and Natalie Rourke sealed the second set and put Capilano up 2–0.
The third set proved to be the most competitive of the night. The Royals opened with the first three points, but the Blues responded quickly with kills from Mbaoma and an ace from English. The score remained tight, with long rallies and momentum swings keeping the point margin within two for much of the set. After trailing 15–11, the Blues called a timeout to reset. An intense rally pushed Capilano ahead 20–19, forcing the Royals to take a timeout of their own. Later, a kill by Mbaoma and an over-the-line serve gave the Blues a 23–22 advantage, prompting the Royals’ second and final timeout. A big block by English for game point set up Mbaoma for the final kill, sealing the sweep and securing Capilano’s 11th straight win.
Mbaoma ended the night with 23 kills, and Betker with 15. The additional bonus for the Blues was the supportive fan base of both fellow athletes and supporting girls’ volleyball programs that cheered on the Blues for the entirety of the match. Tonight's win had the Blues tie the all-time program record for consecutive wins to start a season with at 11, tying a mark set back in the 2004-2005 season by Hall of Fame Coach Wayne Desjardins' squad.
Douglas and Capilano play again Saturday, Jan 10, in a 5 p.m. start back at the Centre for Sport and Wellness.
