In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, the St. Thomas University men’s volleyball team secured victory in the 2024 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Championships, earning them a coveted spot in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships.
“It’s nice to see that the hard work paid off,” said Brenton Romanchuk, second-year outside hitter.
The Tommies faced fierce competition against the Université de Sainte-Anne Dragons. STU had faced the Dragons in four regular-season games without a single victory — until now —defying the odds and securing a historic win in the championship showdown.
“No one really expected us to win and I think that kind of motivated us,” said Romanchuk. “We played a whole other level of volleyball that we haven’t seen all year.”
The first set saw the Tommies take charge with a 25-19 win. However, the Dragons retaliated in the second set, securing a 25-15 victory. STU took the third set 25-18, but the decisive final set was an exhilarating battle, concluding with STU emerging victorious at 27-25. A winning kill by Romanchuk sealed the program’s 11th ACAA title.
“At first, it didn’t feel real and then I saw everyone run out to the court and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, we’re going to Nationals,’” he said.
Romanchuk’s outstanding performance during the season earned him a well-deserved spot on the ACAA All-Star Team, which honours only six players in the conference.
“This year it meant a lot to me. I had a rough summer and I came back and wasn’t too sure if I’d be the same player,” he said.
Looking forward to Nationals, the team needs to have the same mentality as their championship game, he said.
“We just got to go and play our game and good things will happen.”
Austin Hamilton, a graduating outside player, said the team was surprisingly very calm on the court.
“We didn’t buckle under the pressure or anything,” said Hamilton.
Key contributors to the Tommies’ success included Raph Fiset, with 31 assists and 4 kills and first-year Parker Melnick with 13 digs.
“Parker Melnick… he came in for the final game and he was electric … it was a side to him I’ve never seen before,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton acknowledged the importance of team chemistry, stressing the need for trust on and off the court. To him, it’s all about how the team is able to bounce back from the inevitable ups and downs.
“Our team is so close. We’re probably the closest team I’ve ever been a part of… we’re all just a family,” he said.
In a message to his teammates, Hamilton urged them to “bring the heat'” to Nationals.
With the CCAA quarterfinals on the horizon, Hamilton conveyed the team’s unwavering focus and readiness. He confidently stated, “I don’t think there’s a team that can take us down.”
Hamilton expressed his anticipation for the STU community’s reaction to their success.
“I hope they’re as excited as we are because we’ve put in a lot of hard work and we represent the students as well,” he said. “It’s not possible without either one of us.”
In a defining moment for the Tommies’ journey, the team is heading to Camosun College in B.C. from Mar. 7 to 10, where they will compete for the national title. The players, fueled by their recent triumph, are ready to face the competition head-on, carrying the spirit of the STU community with them.
