No. 7 Laval put up a dominate performance in their consolation semifinal match defeating the No. 3 McMaster in straight sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-22)
CHAMPIONSHIP WEBSITE: https://usports.ca/en/championships/volleyball/m
BOX SCORE: https://usports.ca/en/championships/volleyball/m/schedule-results
Laval’s Head Coach, Gino Brousseau, credits the victory to the team’s strong defense—they picked up 25 digs and seven blocks through the game.
While McMaster led the way in kills, they also led in attack errors with 19 to Laval’s 10
Despite missing the first game of the championship due to illness, Laval’s Nicolas Fortin put up the strongest numbers for the Rouge et Or with 12.5 points and 12 kills.
“He made a difference in our game. We wanted to play well for him,” Brousseau remarked.
Fortin received Player of the Game for his efforts.
For the Marauders, First Team All-Canadian Maxime Gratton lead the offense. Gratton put up 20.5 points with 18 kills and two service aces.
“The key was defense; our goal was to contain Gratton. He did well but I think at some points we didn’t stop him, but we slowed him down a little bit,” Brousseau said.
With the win, Laval heads to the consolation final on Sunday at 1pm where they will face the winner of the TWU-Guelph match.
“It’s the last game of the season so I’m going to tell the guys to enjoy it. We’re going to be ready. The guys are pumped up now.”
MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Laval: Nicolas Fortin
McMaster: Maxime Gratton
STAT LEADERS
Laval
Kills: Nicolas Fortin (12)
Points: Nicolas Fortin (12.5)
Blocks: Johnathan Addy (5)
Digs: Max Losier (6)
Service aces: Charles St-Aubin (2)
McMaster
Kills: Maxime Gratton (18)
Points: Maxime Gratton (20.5)
Blocks: Jared Kuiken, Brendan Mills (1)
Digs: Robbie Fujisawa (6)
Service aces: Maxime Gratton (2)