These women pack a powerful punch.
The Douglas College Royals put down the final spike and claimed the PacWest crown Saturday with a polished 3-0 sweep of Vancouver Island University (VIU) at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Led by second-year right side Vania Oliveira, Douglas delivered a firm rebuke to its top rival by scores of 25-20, 25-12 25-20, locking up the top provincial berth to next week’s national championships in Grande Prairie, Alta.
“I think it’s part of the experience – our team really became stronger together about half-way through the semester, in a game against VIU,” noted co-captain and libero Claudia Corneil. “We know what we were up against and really it was for us to dictate and control our game.”
Oliveira, a native of Brazil, tied teammate Vicki Schley for a match-high of 12 kills, while Caet McCorkell drove home nine. Corneil finished with 18 digs, with McCorkell chipping in 11.
Providing some memory-induced inspiration was the fact VIU handed Douglas a similar defeat one year ago.
“Last year we were a little unfortunate as there was just one team (from the finals) that advanced to the nationals,” said Royals coach Jeff Ross of the loss a year ago. “The players kind of took that and used it, so it was a little bit of redemption.”
This year, with Alberta hosting the championship, both the Royals and Mariners will attend and aim to grow B.C.’s string of medal finishes.
Having posted the league-best record at 21-3, Douglas earned a bye into the semifinals, where they met Capilano University.
While they slipped in the opening game, falling 18-25, the New West team responded as the No. 1-ranked squad in Canada with three straight wins (25-13, 25-14, 25-18).
“It had to do more with nerves. Capilano had already played and we were still settling in. But once that set was over we just rocked and rolled after that,” added Ross.
Picking up the tourney MVP award was Oliveira, who in two seasons has established herself as an on-court leader.
“She’s Vania,” said Ross. “She does a good job of executing, she’s really athletic and contributes positively offensively and defensively. Coming in after a good first year, she’s a smarter player.”
He said while Oliveira was the MVP, everyone played a big role in the victory, which catapulted Douglas to its first national championships since 1995.
Earning all-star honours were setter Jane Kepler and Schley.
The next challenge is the biggest challenge, as the No. 1-ranked team in the country now enters the Canadian Collegiate nationals next week with a target on their backs, said Corneil.
“We’re super-excited, especially going in as the No. 1 (ranked) team,” she noted. “We haven’t talked too much about it but there’s always pressure, teams want to beat you. (Being ranked) doesn’t change anything, no matter what the opposing teams do we need to play our game.”
Ross said the focus will be to maximize the experience and ensuring the team continues to grow together, no matter the result.
“I just want us to go there and enjoy it,” said the second-year coach. “Obviously we’re carrying some momentum as PacWest champions.”
The Royals will play the host Grande Prairie Wolves on Wednesday.
men rise to repeat for bronze
The Douglas College Royals men’s volleyball team emerged from the PacWest championships as bronze medallists, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Capilano University.
After drawing a split in the opening two sets, the Royals took command thanks to a balanced attack and the aggressive play of ourside hitters Reid Marriott and Justin Faester. They won the next two sets 25-20 and 25-21 to earn the program it’s second straight provincial bronze. Faester picking up Man of the Match honours, thanks to 14 kills, three blocks and two aces. Marriott contributed a game-best 22 kills, while middle Greg Moore chipped in seven kills and five blocks. Libero Nick Hansen supplied 12 digs.
Marriott, who earlier in the week picked up the PacWest’s Rookie of the Year award and a conference first all-star spot, was named to the tourney’s all-star team.
