Golden Bears hang on against Vert & Or, aim for third title in four years

The No. 3 Alberta Golden Bears stayed alive in their pursuit of a second consecutive national title and third in four seasons, but not before getting all they could handle from the No. 2 Sherbrooke Vert & Or.

Reigning two-time U SPORTS Player of the Year Isaace Heslinga racked up 22 kills on a .475 efficiency as the Golden Bears emerged with a hard-fought 3-2 win (25-12, 25-15, 19-25, 19-25, 15-10) over the Vert & Or in the second semifinal of the 2025 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship Presented by Sunrise Credit Union at the Healthy Living Centre Gymnasium. 

Dylan Martens added 14 kills and three aces, and Luke Wedell had 45 assists for Alberta, who came out on top in the rematch of last year's championship final, which was the third consecutive game of the day requiring the maximum five sets. 

Yoan David led the way for Sherbrooke with 13 kills and five digs, while Elliott Collard had six block assists. 

Alberta recorded a .378 hitting percentage in the match, compared to Sherbrooke's .265

With the win, Alberta advances to play No. 8 and host Brandon on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT, while Sherbrooke will play Saskatchewan for bronze at 4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT. 

Mikasa Players of the Game

Alberta: Isaac Heslinga 

Sherbrooke: Yoan David