Tommies Finish the Job: STU Captures 2025-26 ACAA Championship on Home Court

Fredericton, NB - The stage was set in Fredericton — and the Tommies delivered.

From February 27th to March 1st, the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Championship returned to the Lady Beaverbrook Gym for the first time since 2018. Entering the weekend as the team to beat, St. Thomas University backed up every expectation, capturing the 2025-26 ACAA title in dominant fashion.

The Tommies closed the regular season with a commanding 19-1 record, 38 points, and a 17-match winning streak heading into the playoffs. Undefeated at home and leading the league in kills and assists per set, they built their identity around offensive firepower and system efficiency.

That momentum carried directly into the semifinals.

Facing UNBSJ on Saturday evening, the Tommies set the tone early and never looked back, earning a straight-sets victory (25-13, 25-16, 25-14). Kalan Noonan shined with 13 kills, powering an attack that overwhelmed their opponent from start to finish. With contributions across the lineup and relentless pressure from the service line, STU advanced to Sunday’s championship match with confidence.

Waiting in the final was Université Sainte-Anne — the same team that defeated the Tommies in last year’s ACAA final. The storyline was clear: redemption.

This time, there would be no repeat ending.

The Tommies showcased why they finished first in the regular season, controlling the tempo and executing in key moments to secure another straight-sets victory (25-22, 25-18, 25-16). Noonan once again delivered in big moments, while Mason Brewster — who entered the postseason with a league-best .470 hitting percentage — proved unstoppable at the net.

From the first whistle to championship point, STU played with poise, discipline, and purpose.

Head Coach Henri Mallet, now in his ninth season at the helm, guided the program to its fifth ACAA championship under his leadership, reinforcing the culture of excellence that has defined Tommies volleyball for nearly a decade.

The bench provided energy. The veterans brought composure. The newcomers rose to the moment. And the home crowd at LB Gym fueled every rally.

On their home court, in front of their fans, the Tommies rewrote the ending — and raised the banner as 2025-26 ACAA Champions.

Next up, the Tommies are headed to the national stage, having qualified for the CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship in Edmonton from March 6–15, hosted by NAIT.