The VIU Mariners got a tournament tune-up as they prepare to tip off the second half of basketball season.
Vancouver Island University’s women’s hoops team won two of three games at its Christmas tournament last week at the VIU gym.
The Mariners started with a 74-67 win against the Langara Falcons on Wednesday, then edged the Camosun Chargers 74-72 on Thursday before falling 68-61 to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Trojans in Friday’s finale.
All three games had momentum swings and lead changes. In the opener, VIU was down by six in the fourth quarter before taking control with a 14-0 run. Avery Snider scored 16 points for VIU and Emily Clarke and Celina Guadagni added 15 apiece.
The next game, VIU trailed much of the contest but converted key free throws at the end. Snider scored 17 of her 25 points in the fourth quarter and Pollard scored 18 in the game.
Against the Trojans, the Mariners led by as many as 14 points in the first half but couldn’t get enough shots to fall in the second half to keep pace with the nationally ranked opposition. Pollard scored 19 and Snider added 15.
SAIT went undefeated to win the tournament.
GAME ON … The Mariners women and men resume Pacific Western Athletic Association regular-season play this coming weekend (Jan. 6-7). The M’s host the Quest Kermodes on Friday (Jan. 6) at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and then the Langara Falcons on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the VIU gym.