Brent Mutis
CapU Blues sports info

In all, nine players made their Capilano Blues debut last weekend at Camosun College and while flashes of light shone through at times, it wasn’t enough to overcome a proven Chargers side.

Camosun took the Friday night PACWEST season opener in straight sets and won Saturday’s rematch by a 3-1 count.

Liam Martin handled setter duties both nights and on Friday, his most frequent target was Australian import Xavier Masztak who recorded five kills on 21 swings and also chalked up two aces. Avi Gill led the Blues offense with seven kills while Nate Raabe contributed three kills but was a factor at the net with two blocks.

CapU didn’t beat themselves Friday, but couldn’t manage any extended runs. They pushed Camosun in the opening set, eventually falling 25-22. The Chargers were simply tidier defensively, more efficient on their swings and made less errors at the net. They took the second and third sets by seven and nine points respectively.

In Saturday afternoon’s game, the Blues took the first set with Masztak on his way to 15 kills for the day. Martin crested 20 assists but just four Blues recorded kills compared to eight for the Chargers.

Other positive developments for the young Blues side was 19 total digs on the weekend for libero Oli Westhaver, who was back in familiar territory having grown up in Victoria and graduating from Claremont Secondary. Martin had three aces Saturday while Yash Sohi and Gill combined for 10 kills.

The Blues have their home opener this weekend against the Douglas College Royals, with Friday night’s tilt promising to be a raucous one with the Blues basketball teams on a bye week and expected to be in attendance. Douglas will bring their usual contingent of fans and several youth clubs will be special guests of the Blues teams so the CSW seats are likely to fill up.

Friday’s game is an 8 p.m. start for the men with first serve Saturday’s going at 7 p.m.