2022-23 Marauder Women’s Volleyball Season Preview

HAMILTON, Ont. – It has been 237 days since the Marauders women’s volleyball team last stepped on the court in an OUA competition. With the 2022-23 campaign just two days away, the Marauders are more than ready to get back into action. The maroon and grey have played 11 pre-season contests against teams from across the nation in preparation for the upcoming campaign. McMaster will open the season at home in Burridge Gymnasium on Friday against the Lakehead Thunderwolves and will return to the court for the rematch on Saturday night. Game time is set for 6pm both days.
 

Lakehead vs McMaster
Burridge Gymnasium | Hamilton, Ont.
November 4th, 2022 @ 6pm & November 5th, 2022 @ 6pm
 

McMaster Marauders (8-4) (2021-22 Regular Season Stats)
2nd in OUA West Division Standings

Lakehead Thunderwolves (0-9) (2021-22 Regular Season Stats)
7th in OUA West Division Standings

2021-22 Regular Season Stats

Weekend Game Coverage

Watch Live: https://oua.yaretv.com/

Twitter: @McMasterSports

Instagram: @mcmasterwvb & @mcmastersports
 

Season Preview

The 2022-23 OUA women’s volleyball season gets underway this weekend and after playing a shortened schedule last year, will compete in 20 regular season contests over the next four months. Unlike other sports, women’s volleyball is comprised of 14 teams in a single conference with each team having three non-combatants. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams from across the province will qualify for the post-season. 

The Marauders have a number of strong performers returning to the roster this season, led by U SPORTS All-Rookie Team member and OUA First Team All-Star, Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.), who recorded 132 kills (3.00 per set) last season. The outside hitter was also second on McMaster and seventh in the OUA with 126 digs. The second-year social sciences student also had eight assists in the regular season and totaled 161.5 points. A senior, Ellie Hatashita (Kanata, Ont.), will also be key to the Marauders’ success this season. A 2021-22 OUA Second Team All-Star, Hatashita recorded 16 service aces last season ranking her seventh in the OUA. The fourth-year commerce student was an absolute force at the net, ranking first in the OUA in total blocks with 49 and solo blocks with 15. The veteran also totaled 34 block assists (ranked second in the OUA) and averaged 1.02 blocks per set.

Defensively, libero Hayley Brookes (Burlington, Ont.) was as solid as they come, ranking second in the province in total digs (179) throughout the regular season. The Burlington local averaged 3.73 digs per set, fourth best in the OUA.

McMaster did graduate a few key veteran contributors including outside hitters Jessie Nairn (Oakville, Ont.) and Maya Sokolowski (Kitchener, Ont.), middle Savannah Chan (Hong Kong, CHINA) and libero Felicia Malavolta (Hamilton, Ont.). Nairn, a 2021-22 First Team All-Star, led the Marauders with 148 kills, 443 total attacks and 176.5 points throughout the season.

The Marauders have added some new talent to their roster including Payton Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.), Megan DiFrancesco (Hamilton, Ont.) , Alexandra Slavcev (Kitchener, Ont.), Christine Hachokake (Ottawa, Ont.) and Abby Delamere (Toronto, Ont.). Each brings unique experience to the maroon and grey core and will look to make their mark in 2022-23.

“As we enter into the 2022-23 season, much has changed to this point and we are all looking forward to the new season”, said McMaster Head Coach, Tim Louks. “Excitement is contagious and we can feel the energy in the room increasing with each practice and pre-season match. We are going to be a fun team to watch compete this year.  There is a blend of experience and expectation with an injection of very good young talent. Getting better every opportunity will be the theme in every match. Come and join the fun, cheer loud and often as we take a run at the OUA Championship.”

All ten of McMaster’s regular season games will be broadcast live on OUA.tv free of charge. Tickets for the Marauders’ home games are available for purchase at www.marauders.ca/tickets.
 

2022-23 McMaster Marauders Women’s Volleyball Schedule

• Friday November 4^th vs Lakehead Thunderwolves – 6PM
• Saturday November 5^th vs  Lakehead Thunderwolves – 6PM
• Friday November 11^th at Western Mustangs – 6PM
• Saturday November 12^th vs York Lions – 6PM
• Friday November 18^th at TMU Bold – 6PM
• Sunday November 20^th at Brock Badgers – 1PM
• Friday November 25^th vs Nipissing Lakers – 6PM
• Saturday November 26^th vs Nipissing Lakers – 4PM
• Friday December 2^nd vs Queen’s Gaels – 6PM
• Saturday December 3^rd vs Queen’s Gaels – 6PM
• Friday January 13^th at Brock Badgers – 6PM
• Sunday January 15^th at Toronto Varsity Blues – 1PM
• Wednesday January 18^th vs York Lions – 6PM
• Saturday January 21^st at Waterloo Warriors – 6PM
• Friday February 3^rd vs RMC Paladins – 6PM
• Saturday February 4^th vs RMC Paladins – 6PM
• Friday February 10^th at Western Mustangs – 6PM
• Saturday February 11^th at Waterloo Warriors – 6PM
• Friday February 17^th at TMU Bold – 6PM
• Sunday February 19^th at Toronto Varsity Blues – 1PM

For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.