Marauders lengthen winning streak as they crush Western

HAMILTON, Ont. – The women’s volleyball team keeps impressing. They are now on a 5-game winning streak and their dominant play shows no signs of stopping. Despite winning 3-0 tonight, their game against the Western Mustangs was hard-fought and highlighted the team’s immense focus and resilience. 

Right off the bat, it was a close game. The two teams were neck and neck at the beginning of the first set but Western was able to pull ahead, showing great defense at the net with their blocks and touches. The Marauders adjusted with well-placed tips and dumps. They kept hustling to take the lead late in the set and win it 25-21. Outside hitter Olivia Julien was instrumental as she had the majority of the team’s attacks and recorded 2 kills, 1 ace, and 2 digs. 

Starting the second set off with momentum, the Marauders played consistently up to a comfortable lead early in the set. Once again, however, Western’s front line formed a wall at the net to reject McMaster’s attacks, which helped them stay in competition. Outside hitter Emma McKinnon, however, was eventually able to overpower the Mustangs with her powerful swings, which both hyped the crowd and earned the team the points they needed to take a late lead and win the second set 25-21. 

It was no surprise that the third set also began with a close contest. McMaster started to connect much more cleanly in their attacking sequences, leading to some emphatic kills that helped them create a comfortable lead. They were unstoppable at the net. The Marauders finished in their usual dominant style, ending the set 25-17. 

The main outside hitter duo tonight was especially impressive. Emma McKinnon and Olivia Julien led the game in kills with 9 apiece and raised the energy in the crowd as they pummelled the Mustangs. Outside hitter Maddy Lutes held up the defense with her game-leading 9 digs. Middle Ellie Hatashita also played a crucial role at the net, recording 2 clean blocks and getting a hand on multiple other Western attacks.

Bagging their 10th game of the season today, the women’s volleyball team now sits atop of the OUA table tied with Brock. They seem to be improving visibly every time they step onto the court. Their rematch against Western takes place tomorrow night at 6 pm.