By Sports Editor Cole Schisler

The VIU Mariners traveled to New Westminster on Saturday to take on the Douglas College Royals in the PACWEST soccer game of the week.

The men’s match ended in a 2-0 victory for the Mariners with a pair of goals from midfielder Victor Blasco. Blasco’s first goal came from a well-placed free kick in the first half, his second came from a stunning shot which he took from 25 yards out; the ball pinged off the underside of the crossbar to cross the line behind the Royals’ goalkeeper, highlighting the second half.

“Both teams came out strong looking for the win,” Mariners’ Head Coach Bill Merriman said. “David Turkstra was called on early to make a big save for the Mariners and help give them that energy they fed off.”

The effort was aided by a strong performance from Mateo Kostering on the back line and Shun Takano in the midfield.

The women’s match ended in a high scoring 5-5 draw. Douglas set the tone early, scoring within the first 10 minutes. Mariners’ forward Carli Rey answered back in kind at the 12-minute mark, tying the game at 1-1. At the 20-minute mark, Mariners’ forward Moira Brown tacked on another goal, giving the Mariners a 2-1 lead at the half.

Chloe Gummer came out strong for the Mariners in the second half, scoring quickly and repeatedly, ending the match with a hat trick, of which all three goals were scored in the second half. Despite Gummer’s explosive performance, Douglas managed to catch up and ended the game 5-5.