Volleyball closes 2025 with back-to-back MAAC semifinal appearances

By: Paige Apps, Sports Reporter

The Canisius volleyball team closed its 2025 season with a return to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference semifinals, ending a year defined by steady progress, key individual milestones and a postseason run that highlighted the program’s growth. The Golden Griffins’ season concluded Nov. 22 with a loss to top-seeded Fairfield, a 3–0 decision in Fairfield, Conn. 

Fairfield’s front line controlled the match, posting 36 total blocks and limiting Canisius to a negative hitting percentage. Senior middle blocker Bella Mosquera led the Griffs with eight kills in her final collegiate appearance, while senior setter Ella Bourque finished with 19 assists and sophomore libero Olivia Van Kooten collected nine digs.

Despite the semifinal exit, Canisius reached the tournament’s final four for the second consecutive year after entering the postseason as the No. 5 seed. The team secured its place in the bracket with a tense five-set victory over Merrimack to close out conference play. A narrow five-set loss to Quinnipiac followed, but the Griffs carried momentum into the postseason.

Canisius finished the year 12–18 overall and 9–9 in conference play, navigating a demanding schedule while developing a young core that gained meaningful roles throughout the season. With Bourque, Mosquera and Reisma graduating, the program turns to a returning group that includes Isroff, Lenik, Van Kooten and Cowan – each of whom played significant parts in the team’s late-season rise.

The 2025 campaign ended short of the program’s championship pursuits, but the Griffs’ ability to climb back into the conference’s top tier, produce multiple all-league performers and push into the semifinals again underscored a foundation poised for continued growth.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Nowel