The Briercrest women's volleyball team lost a thrilling 5-set match to Vancouver Island University Thursday afternoon 3-2 (25-27, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 15-9).

Both teams came out to a good start in the first set. After going back and forth all set, Briercrest won it 27-25.

The Mariners picked up their game in the second set though, winning 25-22.

The third and fourth sets were both equally as close, with Briercrest taking the third 25-23. In the fourth, VIU stormed back to take the set 25-22 and forced a fifth and decisive set.

The Mariners never lost the momentum they gained from the fourth set, and won the final set 15-9.

Player of the game for VIU was Chantal Cummings, who had two kills and six digs to go along with one service ace. Taking home the honour for Briercrest was Sam Zacharias, who racked up a team-leading 21 kills and 16 digs.

Briercrest will now play Mount Saint Vincent in the bronze medal quarter-final game at 1:00 pm AST, which is 11:00 am in Saskatchewan.

For more information on the 2016 CCAA women's volleyball championships click here.

For more information on the Briercrest volleyball teams click here.