The Vancouver Island University Mariners soccer teams capped off their return to the pitch this fall with medals at provincials.
VIU’s men fell 2-0 to the Douglas Royals in the gold-medal final of the Pacific Western Athletic Association championships Sunday in Coquitlam, while VIU’s women earned bronze at the tourney.
In the men’s final, the Royals scored goals in the 24th and 31st minutes and “the Royals defence was … extremely strong not allowing many attacks by the Mariners to get through,” noted a PacWest press release.
The day before, VIU’s men advanced to the final on the strength of a 1-0 win against the Langara Falcons. Hector Valdez scored the goal and was man of the match and keeper Ben Chamberlin made 10 saves for the clean sheet.
After the gold-medal game, Chamberlin was chosen man of the match and star Shun Takano was chosen the tournament’s top midfielder.
The Royals advance to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships in Calgary from Nov. 10-13.
VIU’s women were defeated 2-1 by the Douglas Royals in Saturday’s semifinal. Cassandra Hartwich scored for the M’s and Larissa Stefanek was chosen player of the game.
The Capilano Blues women won the PacWest championship and qualify for CCAA nationals in Toronto from Nov. 10-13.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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