Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Information & Compliance Officer

There were no shortage of opportunities for the Capilano Blues to come away with a better result, but a lack of finishing instinct cost them in a weekend road trip to Vancouver Island University (VIU).

The Blues dropped Friday's opener 3-2 and VIU took Saturday's rematch 3-0.

Of the eight sets played, five were deciced by two points and three went to extra points. The toughest to stomach was probably the fifth set Friday, where the Blues were up 13-9 and needing just two points to win the night. VIU dug their heels in, coming back to take it 18-16.

Rafael Hilario had a season-high 20 kills Friday and added 12 digs while Jacob Hopkins had 12 kills and was also in on two blocks.

In Saturday afternoon's opening set, CapU found themselves tied at 17, 18, 21 and 23 but couldn't get the most important points of the set, eventually trading points all the way up until a 31-29 finish for the Mariners.

Extra points were needed again in the second set with VIU taking it 26-24 and the home side took the third set 25-19.

Hilario had 16 more kills Saturday while Jesse Lee had seven kills with seven digs. Middle blockers Kyle Cook and Enis Besirevic were productive with six and 12 kills respectively for the weekend. Cook hit .667 in the two games.

CapU is next in action Saturday, Feb. 5 in a home game against College of the Rockies. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Centre for Sport & Wellness.