The VIU Mariners men’s and women’s soccer teams both had runner-up finishes at their respective national championships.
Saturday at Durham College in Oshawa, Ont., the men lost 3-2 to the host Durham Lords. Defender Grayson Chalifoux of Comox was named a tournament all-star, adding to his PacWest all-star award for league and championship play.
“It was a fantastic tournament for us,” VIU men’s coach Larry Stefanek said. “We were such a young team and to go so far was a real accomplishment. Our guys showed a lot of character and togetherness over the course of the season — a real tight knit group on and off the field.”
Coming off their second consecutive PacWest provincial title, the VIU women lost 3-0 to Dynamiques de Saint-Foy in the CCAA final, Saturday in Edmonton. Mariners striker Chloe Gummer of the Comox Valley was named a tournament all-star.
The VIU women’s team — which placed fifth in the country last year — earned the CCAA Exemplary Leadership Award at this year’s tournament.
“The VIU student-athletes and coaching staff were gracious, and showed true sportsmanship and class throughout the week,” the CCAA website states.