CUVC: 2025/2026 Season Recap

Following a phenomenal 2024/25 season, the 2025/26 season saw a year of transition and rebuilding for CUVC, featuring new lineups across both our Blues and UCC teams. While the results didn’t always go our way, the resilience and growth displayed across our teams demonstrated how strong CUVC’s team spirit is.

Beginning with UCCW (Women’s 2’s), the team faced a challenging season in Female Midlands Tier 2. Adapting to major position adjustments late into the season, their determination paid off in crucial wins, keeping their position in Tier 2 for the upcoming season. Led by captains Charlotte Thornber and Julianna Piskorz and coached by Vasco Martins, the team also put up a fierce fight in the Varsity match against Oxford, though ultimately resulting in a 1-3 loss.

As for UCCM (Men’s 2’s), their results reflected another year of strength and resilience. Captained by Leonardo Tavares and coached by Frances Balaam, they reached number 3 in their tier, delivering some very impressive wins along the way. They also brought incredible energy to Varsity, though the match ultimately ended in a tough loss.

Both of our Blues teams (first teams) saw a season of rebuilding, demonstrating strong resilience throughout the season by battling through very high-level fixtures.

Headed by captain Carrie Shi and coached by Alex Lam, Blues Women put on great performances against Imperial and Bournemouth, fighting hard to successfully retain their place in the top university division – Female Premier. The team also put on a strong fight during Varsity, taking a hard-earned set off Oxford before ultimately falling short at 1-3.

Blues Men saw an exceptionally challenging season. Led by captain Ayaan Mahmood and coached by Alex Lam, the team delivered top-tier plays against Nottingham and Anglia Ruskin, while also advancing to Round 2 of the Male National Trophy. Unfortunately, despite the great games played, Blues Men finished the season at the bottom of their tier and lost the Varsity match after very hard-fought sets.

Off the main competitive court, CUVC continues to thrive:

Beach Volleyball Varsity took place in Easter Term 2026, keeping up the Varsity spirit and establishing its place as a new tradition. Pairs faced off against Oxford, with plenty of breaks and refreshments taking place.

In terms of volleyball at Cambridge, development squad sessions are running stronger than ever, promoting enthusiasm in volleyball across Cambridge. Intercollegiate Cuppers also saw a high level of engagement from colleges, with the Christ x Eddies team topping off the tournament with a historical victory.

The 2025/26 season has undeniably been a tough season of rebuilding and restructuring – the only way for 2026/27 is up! A massive thank you to every player, captain, and coach who gave their all this season to deliver such great plays. We can’t wait to come back stronger for an amazing year ahead.

Jingqiu Tian