Winning streak comes to an end as women’s volleyball team falls to TMU

HAMILTON, Ont. – In a nail-biter of a game today, the women’s volleyball team’s impressive 5-game win streak unfortunately came to a close. They jousted with the TMU Bold for five long sets. Although it was their first loss of the season, the Marauders played with inspiring energy and hustle that should serve as a valuable experience for the team. 

The building was buzzing with energy for the team’s last home game of the 2023 year. Starting off strong with an ace from setter Payton Entwistle, McMaster had some great serves throughout the set. TMU was crafty with their play, putting up many well-placed dumps and tips, but the Marauders hustled hard on defence to keep the ball alive. McMaster took the set 25-22. 

McMaster continued their resilient defence in the second set as the Bold showed off their power at the net and dangerous serving ability. TMU took a significant lead in the first half of the set, but the Marauders were able to break their momentum a couple of times. Eventually, back-to-back kills from outside hitter Emma McKinnon, who had 8 kills by the end of the second set, spurred a comeback for McMaster. It wasn’t enough to curb the energetic TMU, though, as they lost the set 25-22.

All tied up for the third set, both teams fought hard to take the lead. It was another extremely close contest. Outside hitter Maddy Lutes and middle Ellie Hatashita both put up some big blocks and kills that fired up the crowd. TMU continued their intelligent offensive sequences and after being locked at a 24-24 tie, McMaster lost the set 27-25. 

McMaster showed more of their usual dominance in the fourth set, which they took 25-18. The tension was rising in the building as plenty of long rallies, hard hits, scrambles for the ball, and emphatic blocks were exchanged between both teams. Outside hitter Sullie Sundara came up big at the end of the set to help the Marauders put it away, supported by libero Hayley Brookes who impressed the crowd with her many dives. 

The fifth and final set heightened the drama. Both teams were giving it their all, running long distances and flying everywhere on defence to prevent the ball from touching the floor. Although McMaster was leading comfortably to start, TMU kept pushing them and caught up. After tying it up 14-14, the Bold continued on to win the set 16-14 and take the victory.
There were many outstanding performances from the Marauders, especially from Sullie Sundara who had 17 kills, 14 digs, 3 aces, and 2 blocks, as well as from Emma McKinnon who recorded her season-highs with 12 kills and 15 digs. Hayley Brookes held up the backcourt with 19 digs. Middle Jenna Woock was amazing at the net with her 8 kills and 4 blocks, as was Ellie Hatashita who had 8 kills, 10 digs, 3 aces, and 1 block. 

It was a gritty game that will surely cause some sore legs tomorrow. This was perhaps the first time this season that the team has been tested against a strong offence, so this was a good learning opportunity for them. Before resting during the exam and holiday break, the women have two more games, which will take place next weekend against the Guelph Gryphons.