The VIU Mariners women's soccer team shut out the competition to win a provincial championship, and now gets to move on to nationals.
The M's defeated the Capilano Blues by a 1-0 score in the Pacific Western Athletic Association gold-medal match on Sunday, Oct. 27, a Willoughby Stadium in Langley.
VIU got the only goal it needed in the 35th minute, as Asuka Okabe's pass found Jade Dillabough in full sprint who was able to find the back of the net. The Blues pressed for the equalizer midway through the second half, but couldn't capitalize, the Mariners regained control and were able to hold on from there.
Dillabough was chosen player of the match, and also the tournament's top forward and most valuable player. Okabe was chosen top midfielder and VIU's Mya Creed was named top defender.
The Mariners had a 6-1-5 record in the regular season, which earned them a bye straight to the gold-medal match while the Blues had to get through a semifinal the day before that went all the way to penalty kicks.
VIU's women now advance to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships which will be played at Capilano University's Squamish campus from Nov. 7-9.
