2025-26 MCAC men's volleyball preview

The Providence University College Pilots have both a big target on their backs and some big shoes to fill.

The defending MCAC men's volleyball champions will move forward without three all-conference players, Noah Boschman, Hector Ortiz and Seb Verdaguer, this season. That means it's time for returnees like Liam Buhler, Marcus Zeilstra, Cayden Williams and Cole Doell to step up and help the team that went 17-1 last year before sweeping the league final series.

"We are really excited about the season ahead," said head coach Paul Armbruster. "We again have an awesome group of guys, and I've been really impressed so far with this group's exceptional desire to learn, grow and improve, and because of that, it's exciting to think how good we can get by the end of the year."

The Pilots begin the regular season with a road game against the Assiniboine College Cougars on Friday.

This year, evening men's matches begin at 7:45 p.m., following the women's 6 p.m. start times.

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY BLAZERS

While the Blazers lost the MCAC final last year, they represented the league proudly at nationals by winning their quarterfinal.

Now as long-time assistant coach Jack Tyrrell moves into the head coach position, he's ready to help the group back to their first championship since 2022.

All-conference right side Duncan Petrie returns for one more year, while the Blazers will try to replace Levi Johnston's offence after he moved up to the U Sports level.

"It's a pleasure to be here. Excited to get started," Tyrrell said. "We must focus on our own personal development, and the rest will follow."

The Blazers open the regular season on the road against the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges on Friday.

ASSINIBOINE COLLEGE COUGARS

The Cougars pushed for their spot at nationals but came up one win shy in a semifinal against the Blazers on the road last year.

This season, they have to move on without key veterans like all-conference outside hitter Noah Barcellona and setter Dante Wilson.

Outside hitter Nathaniel Berube has moved into a big role on and off the court as the team's captain.

"With a young squad and growing chemistry, we're ready to play with intensity, bring the fire, and keep grinding towards our goals," Berube said.

Head coach Dan Ashfield added a few strong local talents like middle Ethan Olson, as well as Haile-Emmanuel Turney of Barbados on the outside.

"We're all excited for the season to get going and showcase what we've been working on," Ashfield said.

"I'm looking forward to the progress we make throughout the year and how much detail we put into that to be able to give us the best chance at the end of the year."

UNIVERSITÉ DE SAINT-BONIFACE LES ROUGES

Les Rouges are ready to climb back up after missing the playoffs last season.

While they lost all-conference setter Nolan Houde, the team around outside hitter Noah Ouimet will grow together well with plenty of new additions.

"This team has a lot of talent and even more grit. I'm excited to see the team improve and our bonds get stronger," Ouimet said.

Setters Ben Doan and Marty DeMoissac, libero Alek Ouimet and left sides David Lemoine and Manuk Garcia are eager to help the team rebound.

"Les Rouges look to turn some heads this year with our most competitive team in years," said head coach Connor Markestyn.

"While we may be undersized, our internal competition and volleyball IQ have never been better."