LANGLEY, BC – For the eighth time in program history, the Pandas Volleyball team are U SPORTS National Champions. The Pandas defeated the Sherbrooke Vert et Or 3-0, winning their first national banner since 2007, and moving into second in all-time women's volleyball national titles.

Abby Guezen was named Championship MVP, capping off an incredible season that saw her also earn Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year awards.

The national title is the first for Pandas coach Carolyn O'Dwyer, who has now captured U SPORTS gold, silver, and bronze medals in her three seasons at the helm.

Laila Johnston led the Pandas with 12 kills on just 24 attempts, finishing with no errors and a .500 attack efficiency. Johnston, along with Guezen and setter Justine Kolody were named to the tournament all-star team. Guezen had 11 kills and four aces in Sunday's final, with Kolody finishing with a match-high 31 assists.

The Pandas were outstanding on attack in the final, finishing with 41 kills and a .340 attack percentage as a team, compared to 26 kills and .042 marks for the Vert et Or. Alberta's defence and serve game were also firing on all cylinders, as the champions had 12 total blocks and six aces over three sets.

Alberta jumped ahead early in the first set, and cruised to a 25-13 win. Adversity came in the second set, as the Pandas jumped ahead by 10, before Sherbrooke came within one late. However a pair of kills clinched a 25-23 win. The Pandas didn't falter in the third, jumping up big early and not looking back in a 25-12 win.

The 2027 U SPORTS Women's Volleyball Championship will be hosted by Mount Royal in Calgary, from March 17-19, 2027.

TOURNAMENT AWARD WINNERS:

CHAMPIONSHIP MVP
Abby Guezen - Alberta

CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-STARS
Abby Guezen – Alberta
Mackenna Knox – Brock
Justine Kolody – Alberta
Laila Johnston – Alberta
Brittanie Maranda - Sherbrooke
Kaylee Plouffe - Trinity Western
Danaé Vaillancourt - Sherbrooke

R.W. PUGH FAIR PLAY AWARD
Isabella Samadzadeh – Brock