The Camosun Chargers men’s volleyball team, the reigning PACWEST and CCAA national champions, won their home opener on Saturday, October 22 over the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners three sets to one. Despite a great team effort, the women’s team lost a hard-fought battle against the defending national champions from VIU the same night.
The Camosun Chargers revealed their new banners along with the presentation of their championship rings for winning the 2021-22 PACWEST and CCAA National Championships before the men’s game against VIU.
The men started their season on the right foot, winning their first two games, including this home opener. The Chargers dominated in front of their home crowd to beat VIU 25-9, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19.
Brendan Folkerts came out with powerful shots that the visiting team couldn’t answer. He had four kills and three aces in the first set alone as the Chargers ran away with it 25-9. Folkerts led his team in kills, finishing with 12.
After losing the second set, the team won both the third and fourth sets 25-19. Both of the last two sets were close, but the Chargers managed to rally late to take the win over VIU.
On the other hand, the women’s volleyball team fell short in their home opener. The defending PACWEST bronze medallists gave it their all in a tough, close battle against the Mariners but lost 25-20, 25-27, 15-25, 25-27.
After winning the first set, the women had a slow start into the second set. A combination of powerful and spectacular shots by Erica Bolink and Jasanna Kunz helped the team mount a comeback to tie the set late and even go on the lead before losing 25-27.
The third set was dominated from start to finish by the Mariners winning 15-25. The fourth set was close from the beginning, where Bolink and Kunz gave the Chargers a chance to win with their incredible plays, even though they lost the set 25-27. However, the Camosun women’s team shouldn’t be discouraged by the result, as they showed they’re able to compete toe to toe against a decorated team like VIU.
Both teams gave their home crowd a great show with amazing plays and a strong team effort. The Camosun Chargers volleyball teams will be playing at home again on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 against the Capilano Blues; the Chargers basketball teams will be playing their home openers on Friday, November 4 against VIU.