The Assiniboine College Cougars achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) women”s volleyball championship. This remarkable feat was accomplished with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers, clinching the championship series 2-0 on Sunday.
Head coach Kevin Neufeld humorously responded to players” requests to try new positions with a well-known quip, saying that they could play different roles when he wins “Miss America.” This playful banter highlights the team spirit that fueled the Cougars” success throughout the season.
After a challenging start, the Cougars dominated the 2025-26 season, culminating in a decisive sweep with set scores of 25-22, 25-22, and 25-11. Kylee Peake, a standout player from Binscarth, was named the championship MVP, contributing significantly with two consecutive matches of 16 kills each. “All the girls have worked super hard for this, and I”m really proud of our team,” Peake stated.
In the previous match, Peake recorded 16 kills alongside 19 digs, leading the Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Blazers. Rookie of the Year Payton McNish also made her mark with 13 kills but was unable to play in the final match due to health concerns. However, Celina Toews stepped up impressively, delivering nine kills without errors in the opening match, which instilled confidence in the team.
Neufeld commended the depth of his team, emphasizing that the players were genuinely supportive of one another”s success. “Depth only matters if your starters are mature enough to handle not being out there,” he remarked. The Cougars took an early lead in the first set and maintained control throughout, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
As they progressed, the Cougars faced a stronger response from the Blazers in the second set but managed to stave off the challenge and close it out. In the third set, player of the year Tyra Lasuik ignited an eight-point serving run, propelling the Cougars to a commanding 14-3 lead.
Marie Dunster also contributed significantly, finishing with 10 kills and one error. Libero Jordyn Bradbury, who made 11 digs, was recognized as the team”s player of the match. CMU”s Halle Meisner earned accolades for her performance as well, securing a second consecutive player of the match nod.
With the MCAC shifting to a best-of-three playoff format, Neufeld expressed confidence in his team”s capability to compete at the national level. “We were the best team this year. I think our record proved that,” he stated, reflecting on the journey from a rocky start to a championship victory.
The Cougars are now set to compete in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association nationals, scheduled for March 11-14 in Niverville, where they will face off against the host Providence Pilots and other conference champions. “We”ll celebrate tonight, then this week we”re going to have good practices and come in just as hungry as every other team,” Peake concluded.
Following the medal presentation, a light-hearted moment ensued as Lasuik playfully crowned Neufeld with a tiara and sash, drawing laughter from the team and marking a joyful end to their championship journey.
