Women's Weekend Recap: Execution

After a long road trip, the Mariners return home for what should be a simple matchup against Okanagan.

Friday - VIU 73, Okanagan 55

The Coyotes are stronger than their record suggests, but the Mariners played all four quarters with Bill Parcells' famous quote in mind.

You are what your record says you are.

In addition to their resounding win, Capilano defeated Douglas earlier in the day, moving the Mariners to a tie for the conference lead.

Four players led the way for VIU: Trista Thorn and Kiayra Hohlweg each scored 14 points, while Sarah Cook and Annabelle Neufeld each had 10. Cook added eleven rebounds for her first double-double of the season.

Okanagan's leading scorer was Jordan Kemper. She was the only player with more than 20 points, scoring 21 points while adding six rebounds. Rebecca Boyes added 10 points, while Antonella Luraghi and Mafae Amarilla added eight each.

Saturday - VIU 77, Okanagan 53

The Coyotes started a rare Saturday morning game hot. A jump shot by Ayla Mulleny put Okanagan up 10-4 three minutes into the game as they looked to do the improbable.

Then, like a lit candle in a wind tunnel, it was gone.

The Mariners hit the gas halfway through the first quarter, briefly taking the lead before losing it again, then taking it right back with a pair of free throws from Sarah Cook. From there, the Coyotes would never lead again, letting the Mariners roll to a weekend sweep and a tie atop the conference with Douglas.

Sarah Cook led all scorers with 17 points, converting all eight of her free throws. Sammy Shields did just about everything off the bench, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and seven steals on the eve of her birthday.

Jordan Kemper posted yet another double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds while playing all 40 minutes. Antonella Luraghi had a double-double of her own, leading the Coyotes with 18 points while also adding an unfortunate 11 turnovers.

The Mariners head down the Malahat next week for Round 2 of the Island Rivalry, then return home for a do-or-die matchup with the Douglas Royals.