Fans of high-calibre volleyball had better move fast if they hope to catch the nation’s best collegiate players at Vancouver Island University.
With only three days remaining until Thursday’s (March 7) 2012 Canadian Colleges’ Athletic Association women’s volleyball national championship, tournament passes are selling quickly.
“We are extremely excited to host this event and showcase the best eight teams in Canada,” said Mike Stefan, event manager. “Vancouver Island has always been a hotbed for women’s volleyball and we are seeing that support and excitement for this event.”
The VIU Mariners are going into the championship ranked No. 1 in the country, but the field is highly competitive, said Mariner coach Shane Hyde.
“It’s a wide open event with everybody having a realistic chance at competing for gold,” he said. “It should be a fun time and a great atmosphere in our gym.”
The festivities begin Wednesday with the awards banquet naming all-Canadians, player of the year and coach of the year.
Quarter-finals begin Thursday with games at 1, 3, 6 and 8 p.m. The semifinals are Friday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Saturday features the bronze medal game at 5:30 p.m., and the gold medal game at 8 p.m.
Tournament passes can be reserved by calling 250-740-6413.
Daily tournament gate prices include: adults, $10 on Thursday and Friday, $15 on Saturday; students under 18, $5: and children under 10 free.