Seawolves take season opener in straight sets over Mystics

(Saint John, NB) UNBSJ opened the 2025–26 ACAA women's volleyball season with a strong statement on home court, sweeping MSVU 25–16, 25–21, 30–28 in a lively opener at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletic Centre. The crowd brought early-season noise, and both teams delivered long rallies and competitive swings, especially in a dramatic third set that stretched well past 25.

Fourth-year outside hitter Emily Robichaud from Fredericton set the tone for the Seawolves, powering the offense with 14 kills and adding 9 digs. On the right side, third-year Kate McLeod sparked key momentum swings with six aces and steady defensive positioning, helping UNBSJ control the flow of the match.

In the middle, second-year Sasha Buchanan provided reliable presence at the net, while fourth-year Haley Wilson made a major impact with six block assists, forming one of the match's strongest defensive fronts. First-year setter Kyra McCord showed impressive poise in her conference debut, guiding the offense with 26 assists and keeping the attack balanced.

Fourth-year outside hitter Dominique Gendron from Dieppe added nine kills and a consistent transition scoring option, while libero Sophia Saad and defensive specialist Amy MacKenzie anchored the backcourt and extended key rallies that shifted momentum late.

MSVU raised the intensity in the third set, with strong swings from Taylor Kukurski and Emily Murphy helping the Mystics push the frame to 30–28. Their late-set push showed competitive upside as they move deeper into regular-season play.

For UNBSJ, the win highlighted depth, rhythm, and leadership across the lineup, offering a promising glimpse of the group's identity to start the season. Both teams now look toward the opening stretch of ACAA play with meaningful early-season reps in hand.