McMaster Sweeps Bold in Confident Three-Set Win

Box Score

HAMILTON, Ont. – The Marauders swept the TMU Bold on Saturday afternoon in a confident three-set game.  

Leading McMaster’s offense was outside hitter Maxime Gratton with 11 kills, four service aces, and six digs. Fourth year setter Robbie Fujisawa was an integral key to the offense with 26 assists and five digs.  

The Marauders came into the first set with a small lead. Brendan Mills made a service ace early in the set, while McMaster capitalized off of TMU’s errors. An impressive connection from setter Fujisawa to outside hitter Tyler Pavelic lit up the home crowd. Later, a huge block by Fujisawa followed by an ace from Gratton forced a Bold timeout. After a confident seven-point run by McMaster, they were able to comfortably take the first set 25-12.  

After a dominant win by the Marauders in the first set, the Bold looked to keep the score close in the second set. Despite this, McMaster started to tear away with a lead. First year Brady Paterson made three kills early in the set, and Pavelic made an ace to help them gain distance on the scoreboard. The Marauders subbed new faces into their rotation as they approached set point; Jack Mackley, Evan Bremer, and Jason Heidbuurt. Bremer closed out the set with a kill for the Marauders at 25-17.  

Going into the third set, Gratton was leading the Marauders’ offense with seven kills and three service aces. TMU opened the this set with the first four points, before Gratton made a kill to get McMaster on the board. The Bold fought hard to stay alive for another set, as the teams continued to tie until the 18th point. The Marauders went on a four-point run, which included a kill and service ace from Gratton, and forced a TMU timeout. McMaster reached set point first and finished the game 25-21. 

Up Next 

The Marauders will look forward to facing off against the Guelph Gryphons on the road next Friday. They improve their record to 3-2 in their last home game of the year.