HAMILTON – The McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season in 2023-24. Fresh off an impressive campaign in which they secured national bronze and were OUA Champions, yet again, the Marauders have their sights set on continued success.
The departure of key players including Sam Cooper, Mateusz Wlodarski and Wojciech Kraj who have all moved on to play professionally overseas will be missed. However, the Marauders have many reasons to be optimistic with a roster boasting a solid core of returning players who will be looking to step up and provide leadership during the upcoming season.
Ben Kerkhoff, one of the most experienced players on the McMaster roster, is a cornerstone of the Marauder lineup. A fourth-year libero, the London, Ont. local played in every match last season and ranked sixth across the OUA in receptions with 365 and was named an OUA Second Team All-Star. Kerkhoff will be one of the veteran leaders on the court and will look to close out his varsity career on a high.
A third-year setter, Robbie Fujisawa played in all but one regular season match last season. He averaged 7.82 assists per set for a total of 516 assists last year. The North York local also contributed some points himself, with nine kills on 29 attacks. A Kinesiology major, Fujisawa runs the Marauder offence and will set up his middles and outsides for success all season long.
Maxime Gratton has been an offensive threat since his rookie campaign and that is sure to continue this season. A 6’2 outside hitter, the Ottawa local recorded 109 kills last season for an average of 2.23 kills per set. He also scored from the service line, recording 11 service aces in his 16 matches on the court. Gratton will be one of Fujisawa’s main targets this season and will be one of the Marauders main threats on the left side.
Each of the veterans on this team have demonstrated their skill and commitment to the team and their experience will be invaluable in guiding the squad towards success.
In addition to the returning players, McMaster had a highly successful recruiting year, bringing in a talented group of rookies who are eager to make their mark on the court. These newcomers will provide some fresh energy and will challenge for a spot in the starting rotation.
With a combination of established talent and promising newcomers, first year head coach, Brad Douwes, and the rest of his Marauder squad are well-equipped to maintain their winning traditions.
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