KINGSTON, Ont. – The men’s volleyball team competed in the U SPORTS National Volleyball Championships yesterday afternoon, but were shut down by the UBC Thunderbirds in a 3-1 quarterfinals loss. Coming off of an exhilarating win at the Forsyth Cup Ontario Championships last week, yesterday’s match resulted in the Marauders moving into the consolation bracket.
SET RECAP
The game was close from the very start. UBC carried a slight lead during the beginning of the first set, but the Marauders were boosted forwards by a series of aces from setter Robbie Fujisawa and outside hitter Maxime Gratton. A couple of attacking errors allowed the Thunderbirds to come back and win the set 25-22.
In the second set, the two teams were neck and neck, once again, for the first few exchanges. The Marauders managed to develop a slim lead and extended it as the set progressed. Robbie Fujisawa, who dished out 13 assists, led his team to clinch the set 25-18 and tie the game up. Maxime Gratton also earned himself another 5 kills.
UBC regrouped and put their foot on the gas for the third set, where they led for the entire time. McMaster stayed close behind. However, multiple service errors prevented them from putting together a scoring run. Although the Thunderbirds also struggled with service errors, they had three crucial blocks late in the game that won them the set 25-22.
With their season on the line, the Marauders gave it their all in the fourth set. Maxime Gratton put the team on his back, delivering 5 more kills and another ace. Ultimately, though, the overpowering UBC offense, combined with the continued errors from McMaster, allowed the Thunderbirds to take the set 25-19 and end the game.
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
The Marauders had some strong performances, despite the loss. Maxime Gratton put up a whopping 18 kills alongside 4 aces. Middle Tyler Pavelic had an efficient game, recording 10 kills with 0 attacking errors. Libero Ben Kerkhoff picked up 5 digs.
LOOKING FORWARD
The McMaster men will now face the Laval Rouge et Or on Saturday at 4pm at the Athletics and Recreation Centre in Kingston.
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