Women's Semifinals Recap: Time Machine

These two teams met for national gold in Hamilton three years ago. The Mariners emerged victorious over Saint-Jean, winning their second national title in program history, and their first since 1998. Will history repeat itself today?

VIU 62, Saint-Jean 56

The past few seasons haven't been kind to VIU. In 2024, they had to settle for PACWEST bronze after a semifinal loss to Douglas. In 2025, they fell in the bronze semifinals.

This year, things are different.

Tony Bryce has said multiple times this season that he didn't want to rebuild: He wanted to reload. The Mariners kept that promise with a semifinal victory over the RSEQ champion Geants de Saint-Jean.

The first half couldn't be further from the game against St. Thomas if it tried. Both teams found their shooting form early as VIU led by as much as seven, but Saint-Jean caught fire late to get it back within a basket after the first quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, as the Mariners took a four-point lead into halftime despite a late three from Deborah Damoah.

VIU's stout defense faltered early in the third quarter, and the Geants took their first lead at the quarter's halfway mark. After a brief period of trading the lead, Saint-Jean started to pull away and got the lead up to five in the fourth, but an and-one layup from Sarah Cook followed almost immediately by another layup from Trista Thorn tied the game for VIU. Sammy Shields hit a three on VIU's ensuing possession to give the Mariners the lead for good. Though the Geants tied it later in the quarter, VIU took the lead right back and held on. 

For the fourth time in program history, and the third time in the past five seasons, the VIU Mariners will play for a national championship.

Sammy Shields led all scorers with 16 points off the bench. Trista Thorn and Kiayra Hohlweg were close behind with 14 and 12 respectively, with Thorn adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Deborah Damoah led the Saint-Jean effort with 14 points, while Madina-Aissata Cisse and Juliette Gargya had 13 and 12 respectively. Cricually, Saint-Jean's only bench points came from a three by Serine Addouche.

The Mariners will have one day of rest before the final game of the season. They will face the OCAA champion Fanshawe Falcons. Tip-off is at 4:30 PM PT.