ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Roberts Wesleyan University captured its first East Coast Conference (ECC) Men’s Volleyball Championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating St. Thomas Aquinas College, 3–1 (24–26, 25–18, 25–14, 25–21).
 
Sophomore outside hitter and All-Conference selection Ryan DeJohn was named the Championship’s Most Outstanding Player.
 
Setter of the Year Landon Brouwer led the Redhawks’ service attack with four aces, while freshman Jayce Moore added three. DeJohn, Jordan Hoover, and Gavin Terp each chipped in one ace. Three-time ECC Libero of the Year Moises Jimenez anchored the defense with 15 digs.
 
Paul Fillion recorded a strong all-around performance with 13 kills, eight digs, and four blocks. Moore added eight kills and 10 digs, while Terp contributed five blocks and Hoover finished with four.
 
“I just think them going back, relaxing, and being able to execute was the difference,” said head coach Mike Dedee, whose team finished second to the Spartans last season. “It’s a huge accomplishment for the guys. Before the game, I told them to do what they’ve been doing all year and the results would follow—and they did. I’m so proud of them.”
 
In just its third year as a program, Roberts Wesleyan showed significant growth. After winning only two of its first 22 sets against STAC, the Redhawks have now claimed six of the last seven. Saturday’s match was statistically close in several areas, but a decisive 10–0 edge in service aces proved to be the difference.
 
For the Spartans, Alan Santiago led the way with 20 kills and nine digs. ECC Player of the Year Kyran Versteegen added 15 kills and four blocks, while Marcus Franck totaled 32 assists and 17 digs.