A goalkeeper from Powell River will lead Vancouver Island University (VIU) women’s soccer team at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championship in Montreal, which starts Wednesday, November 9.
VIU Mariners advanced to the nationals by winning the recent Pacific Western Athletic Association provincial tournament. Mariners defeated Douglas College Royals 1-0 in the gold medal match on Saturday, October 29.
Powell River’s Emily Rowbotham was awarded player of the game honours and named to the tournament all-star team as top goalkeeper.
According to Rowbotham, winning the provincials and advancing to nationals is the perfect way to end her university playing days.
“Our defence specifically and as a whole team is really talented,” said Rowbotham. “I was able to get the top goaltender of the tournament because I didn’t have a lot of work to do. My team made it super easy for me.”
In their last five games, Mariners have scored 15 goals, while allowing only one.
Rowbotham is one of four Powell Riverites on the team, along with Drew Murray, Amelia Cantryn and Brittany Harry.
“We have so much confidence in Emily,” said Murray. “She has been amazing.”
Murray said she is nervous about going to the nationals because it will be the first time she has played since breaking her collarbone. Although available, she did not see any game action during the provincial tournament.
“I was worried about it because if I did get injured there was a good chance I wouldn’t be brought along for the nationals,” she said.
The defender had been out of the lineup for six weeks and, despite the nervousness, is excited about the opportunity in Montreal.
According to VIU Athletics, Cantryn will be going to the nationals, but Harry will not be travelling. Mariners are seeded third at the national tournament.
Rowbotham and Murray said they are ready for a calibre of competition that will be a lot higher than they have faced, but also that the other teams they are facing will not know what VIU is capable of.
