REDS Adding Blocker And Hitter
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s volleyball team is adding 6’7” middle blocker Lauchlen MacLeod and 6’2” hitter Eric Lapner to their recruiting class of 2026.
The 18-year-old MacLeod, from Summerside, PE, and the 17-year-old Lapner, from Ottawa, ON, have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 RSEQ season.
“Eric comes from one of the top clubs in the Ontario Volleyball Association,” said REDS’ head coach Dan McMorran. “And Lauchlen brings size and athleticism to our recruiting class.”
MacLeod, completing his Grade 12 year at Summerside’s Three Oaks Senior High School, is a veteran member of the Axemen varsity team.
As a member of the Inferno Volleyball Club, MacLeod earned MVP honours as he helped win an age division gold medal at the 2026 national championship tournament.
With Team PEI, he played in the 2024 Canada Cup tournament and the 2025 Canada Games.
“UNB has a great setup,” said MacLeod. “I’m really looking forward to getting to campus and working hard every day. I just want to do my part, help the team win, and make the school proud.”
Lapner is finishing his Grade 12 year at Ashbury College where he’s a veteran member of the senior boys team.
He’s also a featured member of the Maverick Volleyball Club’s U18 Mustangs side, serving as the team’s captain. He’s also spent time with Team Ontario.
The left side says UNB’s competitive culture was among the factors that appealed to him.
“I want to be part of an environment where athletes push each other to improve while also building strong relationships as teammates,” he said. “The combination of strong academics, high-level volleyball, and the chance to represent such a respected program really stood out to me.”
“Eric is a skilled, high-IQ left side who has consistently been a leader for his teams,” said Coach McMorran. “As he continues to develop physically, we expect him to earn an increasingly prominent role in our program, and we hope to see him emerge as a leader in the years ahead.”
MacLeod describes himself as a team-oriented player with ambition and leadership qualities.
“Lauchlen has the physical tools for a high ceiling in the middle,” said Coach McMorran. “While he’s still developing his game, we’re excited about the potential, and look forward to helping him continue his growth within our program.”
Both Lapner and MacLeod list helping the REDS win conference championships among their long-term goals.
MacLeod will study Criminology while attending UNB. Lapner will study Business.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTOS: Submitted