( International Paralympic Committee confirms Russia ban The playoff picture > A top two finish ensures an interesting playoff run Davie Wong Sports Editor immediate moves to fill the team’s already bolstered roster. With a team overflowing with talent, the Royals have more than enough depth to make it through the playoffs. ( Sending off the seniors And more! MEN'S BASKETBALL ven before their final series, the Royals women’s . In the hitting Pos itions, the Royals will probably have INSTITUTION CONF PTS volleyball team were guaranteed a historic finish—a Juliana Penner as their number one. In her final year with top three finish with a chance to contest a top two the team, the Royal’s captain has found more than a few VIU 16-2 32 finish was the highest the team has ever finished in the ways to get it down for her squad. Having anew coach to PACWEST. They capped off a highly successful season work behind is never easy, but Jeff’s movements around LANGARA 13-4 26 with a split series with the Capilano Blues (3-2, and the team have given Juliana the freedom to play without ren 8 1-3). The result ensured them a tied record with the much less pressure, and the effects are staggering. “ *° Blues, but due to the Royals’ head-to-head record with in ne numer eroand three spots interchangeably, DOUGLAS 10-8 20 them, they finished in second and the Blues in third. are third year Vicki Schley, and first year Vania Oliveira. . wh icant Vicki has had a breakout year offensively. On many nights, The second place finish is so important to the team. : : QUEST 6-11 12 It allows the team to have a quarter final bye, and an extra she has been a clear number two hitter. However, her prior day of rest. However, perhaps most importantly, it allows experience as a libero makes her a smooth all-around CAMOSUN 5-13 10 them to watch their competition. Speaking of which, the player, and a key player on the court for the Royals. Royals will face off against the winner of the Capilano Blues Rookie Vania Oliveira has had an offensive breakout CBC 2-16 4 and Camosun Chargers series. Should they win, the Royals will probably move to face off against the VIU Mariners. The Mariners have an interesting side to their bracket. year. She played as a redshirt under Kyra Iannone’s system, and it was clear why she was brought into the program. Her hard swinging style and focus on attack is reminiscent of a young Juliana Penner. There have been plenty of times WOMEN'S BASKETBALL They play the winner of the COTR and UFV series. during th here she has b lented b Considering that College of the Rockies are the defending uring the year where she has been a talented number two INSTITUTION CONF PTS provincial champions, I feel safe saying they'll make it past hitter. However, her lack of experience is also her weakness. UFV. Up against the VIU Mariners, they have a record of On off nights, she’s been an outside threat as a number CAPILANO 16-2 32 1-3. However if last year has shown us anything, it’s that three hitter, and her tendency to collect serving errors anything can really happen. Can COTR upset the giants of makes her a bit of a liability on the service. Nonetheless, DOUGLAS 14-4 28 the PACWEST again? Probably not, but fingers are crossed. she is a part of the Royals’ endless attacking presence. _ 10-8 xo Should the Royals face off against VIU, it'll be an 1 In ne middle, the Royals eave fwo vw talented intense series. They split their season meetings, going players. Autumn AVIESOT, ATIC NCOTEI A UTTY DAVE CAMOSUN 9-9 18 2-2 against each other. For the first time in a very long defined the Royals’ blocking game. Although they started time, the Royals manage to 3-0 the Mariners, before splitting minutes, Autumn has become the clear number QUEST 8-9 16 getting beat 3-0 by them. Needless to say, it’s every bit one, with Georgia being a very solid number two. The two of a heavyweight tilt that one might think it to be. have been interchangeable throughout the season, with LANGARA 5-12 10 If the College of the Rockies Avalanche manage to Autumn being a bigger defensive presence, and Georgia upset the Mariners once again, it'll be an interesting offering a surprising burst of offence Re the een sue os ° matchup. The Royals have gone 3-1 against the COTR has b coordinating t 7" ool, r ithe Koya x ° i squad, but if they defeated VIU, anything is a possibility. as been two very talented’ rookies in Jane Kepler ; If the COTR squad do make it through, one can only and Abby Mitro. The two setters have done an MEN'S VOLLEYBALL expect that the Mariners gave them hell the night before excellent job of picking me Jeff Ross playbook as well and have at least worn them down for the Royals. asa Penn to ‘ he prete z ee ° noe hots hand INSTITUTION CONF PTS No matter who they face in the final, the Royals will S pe ve Che ‘i e Roya “lh bee © oi ake Ll * need to make it there and need to win gold to qualify for : the Nibero C le Sh cor ner ch een nean'y wth eatable VIU 21-3 42 the National Championships. With the Camosun Chargers in the libero tole. She plays with a game sense that 1s hosting the National Championships, the PACWEST only beyond her age, and has ensured that the Royals has WEN 7 34 gets one berth into Nationals. That goes to the winner of every chance fo win sets In every game they play. the PACWEST. Unless somehow the Chargers manage Package this all together and you have a triple threat CAMOSUN 14-10 28 to find a way to pull their landslide of a season together offence. Between the Royals hitting talents, fantastic COTR 11-13 22 (8-16), which I highly doubt, it’s going to be the winner setters, and nearly impenetrable defense, the Royals of the Provincial Championship that will be moving on. have a winning © omposition. This may just be their best DOUGLAS 11-13 22 Regardless of their opponent in any stage of the chance at a National berth. Never has the team looked playoffs, the Royals are ready to give every team a run so strong. They are my favourites to make the finals for CAPILANO 10-14 a for their money. Coming in late this year, Jeff Ross made sure, and maybe even the entire Championships. CBC 0-24 o WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL INSTITUTION CONF PTS VIU 19-5 38 DOUGLAS 17-7 34 CAPILANO 17-7 34 a § COTR 10-14 20 $ UFV 9-15 18 a mr CAMOSUN 8-16 16 a 5 CBC 4-20 8 2 a