The Capilano University Blues women’s volleyball squad is set to match up against the best collegiate players in Canada.
On Friday (Feb. 23), CapU won a clutch 3-1 victory against the Douglas College Royals at the Pacwest provincials, assuring themselves a spot at nationals. The Blues (9-11 in the regular season) were third seed in the tourney, and the second-seed Royals (13-7 in the regular season) hosted the event.
With eight kills, Vanesa Gatto was named game MVP. Her twin sister, libero Anika Gatto, also had a standout performance with a season-high 29 digs.
Nnya Mbaoma had a game-high 16 kills, and went on to be named a tournament all-star. Setter Jayden Easingwood was also named an all-star, with 34 assists. And Annika Kuznik had five kills, including the final kill to clinch the close match.
In Sunday’s final match against first seed Vancouver Island University, the first set was the most competitive with VIU taking it 25-19. The Mariners would go on to beat the Blues 3-0.
But with silver medals around their necks, the CapU squad has more tournament play to come at the 2024 CCAA National Championship running March 6 to 9 at Red Deer Polytechnic in Alberta. It’s the first time the Blues have qualified for nationals since 2014.
