The No. 2 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders hoisted their 11th OUA Forsyth Cup banner in program history on Saturday afternoon in the Burridge Gymnasium.
The Marauders defeated the No. 4 nationally ranked Toronto Varsity Blues in a tight four set game, 3-1. Leading up to the game, each of the teams led their respective OUA regional divisions during the regular season. This match was the first time they met, as well as the first time the Marauders took on a U SPORTS ranked opponent this season.
OUA West Rookie of the Year Maxime Gratton proved to be an impactful force on offense for the Marauders, tallying up 17 kills and one service ace. Outside hitter, and OUA West first-team all-star, Sam Cooper also had a huge game, with a career-high seven service aces, six digs and a staggering 16 kills. Captain Jordan Pereira led the team in digs, with a total of eight. Setter Robbie Fujisawa provided great support by leading the team in assists, racking up 46 in the game along with five digs and two blocks.
On the opposition, Evan Falardeau was dominant for the Blues, powering out 15 kills. Alongside him supporting their offence was Zane Grossinger who posted 36 assists, and on defense Mitchell Neuert had three solo blocks and five digs.
The game opened with multiple service errors from both sides, with points going back and forth between the teams. The score stayed close, with neither team getting away with more than a three-point lead. Each side used one timeout in an attempt to rally their team together. Cooper led the team in kills, putting up six, with teammate Gratton right alongside him with four. The Blues managed to get the first set point at 24-22, but the men in Maroon were able to stay alive, putting up another point. Throughout a close first set, the Blues managed to edge out the Marauders, with Toronto taking the first set 26-24.
Despite falling short in the first set, the Marauders stayed composed and collectively put up nine service aces in the second set. Early on, Cooper put out two potent service aces, forcing the Blues to use a timeout. Returning from the timeout, Cooper slammed down two more, lighting up the home crowd. The Marauders seemed to fall into their groove, taking the biggest lead of the game so far and not letting up. Wojtek Kraj tallied up three service aces, with two of them coming later in the set, leading Mac to a 22-12 lead. The Marauders looked confident, closing out the set with a comfortable lead of 25-14.
With the Marauders in the zone, they came into the third set looking strong. Gratton led the team with a stunning seven kills, and Navreet Suhan made big contributions with four kills. The performance from Mac forced the Blues to use up both of their timeouts before the technical timeout. Mid-set, Mac setter Fujisawa floated a point over, lighting up the Marauder bench. Gratton was on fire, putting down three consecutive kills late in the set. Mac stayed consistent, coming out on top with another 25-14 win for the third set.
Intensity was high on both teams going into the fourth set, and the Blues made it clear that they came out to fight. The score was kept close throughout the set, and going into the technical timeout the Blues were leading 16-14. Cooper and Gratton were staying on their dominant kill streak, each slamming six kills in the set. The Marauders also put up three service aces in the set, with one each from Gratton, Cooper, and rookie Brendan Mills. Despite these strong plays, the score was close right to the end, with the teams tied at 25-25 late in the set.
The crowd in Burridge was erupting with each play, and the Marauders were able to pull through with a close 28-26 win to capture the banner. The Varsity Blues clinched their second straight OUA silver medal while the Marauders raised their first banner since 2018.
Moving forward, both teams will compete at the U SPORTS Championship taking place next week in Winnipeg hosted by the Manitoba Bisons with quarterfinal starting on Friday, Mar. 25th.
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