Brent Mutis
CapU sports info

Facing the top team in the PACWEST and minus two key players, the Capilano Blues weren't able to take a set off the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners in a pair of losses.

The Blues (8-10 in PACWEST) went into their second straight weekend without Jayden Easingwood at setter and also lost middle blocker Natalie Rourke, the conference's leader in blocks per set, just before game time Friday. The 16-2 Mariners completed straight-sets wins both nights.

Capilano had an especially tough time in Friday's match as no attacker had more kills than Stephanie Sung, who finished with four.

Saturday's game was more competitive but still went the minimum number of sets. Capilano's offence got in gear more effectively as they were able to get good looks for hitters Vanesa Gatto, Annika Kuznik and Nnya Mbaoma, who finished with eight, seven and seven kills respectively. Sibby Bos chalked up four aces from the service line while Taygen MacGregor got her hands on two blocks.

It was not enough to overcome a Mariners side that has now won 13 in a row. The Blues went wide and long with numerous swings and ended up with 20 attacking errors on the afternoon while VIU made 10. The Mariners also had five blocks to CapU's one.

CapU currently sits tied for third with Camosun College in PACWEST standings but CapU has the head-to-head tiebreaker with Camosun. The Blues will finish the PACWEST regular season with a road trip to College of the Rockies Feb. 16 and 17 while Camosun plays two games at second place Douglas College (11-7).

The top-four teams will make the PACWEST playoffs which are happening Feb. 23 and 24 at Douglas College.