Tommies Enter ACAA Championship as Team to Beat

From February 27th to March 1st, the St. Thomas University Tommies will host the 2026 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Championship at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym for the first time since 2018, and they enter as the team to beat. 

The Tommies closed the regular season with a commanding 19-1 record, 38 points, and a 17-match winning streak heading into playoffs. They were flawless on home court and led the league in kills and assists per set - a testament to both their offensive firepower and system efficiency. 

Averaging 12 kills per set as a team, the Tommies have built one of the most dynamic attacks in the ACAA. At the center of it all is Mason Brewster, who enters the postseason with a league-best .470 hitting percentage (the highest in the conference). His consistency and efficiency have made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in Atlantic collegiate volleyball. 

But this team is far from one-dimensional. 

Sebby Villeneuve has emerged as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate after an impressive debut season in green and white. Transfers Lucas Lavigne and Kalan Noonan have been key additions, bringing impact and experience to the lineup.

“It feels great to have had such a strong regular season in my first year,” said Villeneuve. “As a team, we’ve been building something special, and clinching the number one spot shows the work we’ve put in. There’s definitely some pressure, but we’re confident heading into the playoffs. We’re excited for this weekend and ready to compete for a big result.” 

The Tommies bench has provided critical contributions all season long, and the chemistry within the group has been evident. Players step into high-pressure moments ready to perform. 

Last season, the Tommies fell short in the ACAA final against Université Sainte-Anne. That loss has fueled this year’s campaign. 

In 2025-26, STU has been undefeated against Sainte-Anne and now has an opportunity to rewrite the ending with a championship and a berth at nationals on the line. 

Men's Semifinals will start Saturday, February 28th, with the Tommies playing the first game at 4:30pm against UNBSJ, while the other semifinal game will be between Holland and USTA at 7pm. The championship final will be on Sunday at 2:30pm. 

Head Coach Henri Mallet believes his squad is built for the moment. In nine seasons at the helm, Mallet has guided the Tommies to four ACAA championships, establishing a culture of consistency and championship expectation. He says this group has a strong chance to add another banner. 

Université Sainte-Anne remains dangerous. Holland College brings experience and defensive grit. UNBSJ has proven capable of pushing top teams deep into matches. 

But this year, the road runs through Fredericton - and through a Tommies squad that hasn’t lost at home all season. 

With momentum and unfinished business driving them, the 2026 ACAA Championship promises high-level volleyball and a compelling storyline. 

Now, with the home crowd behind them at LB Gym, the Tommies have their opportunity. 

Seventeen straight wins. 
Undefeated at home. 
League leaders in offense. 

All that remains is to finish the job. 

FACILITY

Lady Beaverbrook Gymnasium
2 Peter Kelly Drive
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5A1

TICKETS

WEBCASTING

All games will be webcasted on ACAA TV. 

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