The Marauders swept the Lakers in three sets in front of their home crowd on Friday night. McMaster had an impressive performance, never once giving up their lead during the entire game.
Maddy Lutes (Barrie, Ont.) had an outstanding offensive performance, leading the Marauders with 11 kills. Alongside their teammate, Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.) and Ellie Hatashita (Kanata, Ont.) each had strong offensive games, with seven and six kills respectively. Sundara also made an impressive three service aces. Christina Stratford (Burlington, Ont.) contributed in a big way, with 19 assists and two kills; an impressive performance for a setter. The team was strong all-around on defense, with seven players making at least four digs and having strong blocks all game.
The Marauders started out strong in the first set, looking comfortable on their home court. The team was dominant on their blocks, towering over the competition and forcing the Lakers into a timeout. Coming back from the break in play, the opposition were able to gain a few points as the Marauders attempted to stay strong on defense. Lutes was consistent and powerful in the first set for the Marauders with six kills. On defense, the front row was strong in their blocks, shutting down the Lakers’ offense. Stratford supported the offence with seven assists and the Marauders held a lead throughout the entire set to finish 25-15.
The Lakers brought new intensity into the second set, as the score bounced back and forth between the teams. This didn’t last long as the Marauders started to gain momentum, tearing away with the lead. Lutes remained a consistent offensive threat, contributed five kills, as the Marauders gained confidence in their offense. Sundara, Hatashita and Paige Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.) each made two kills in the set, attacking with confidence from both sides of the court. Setter Stratford got a kill and an ace back-to-back, showing her versatility and all-around strength. The Marauders kept a substantial gap in the score and bested their score in the first set by winning 25-11.
The Marauders started the third set with the lead and held onto it with composure. Nipissing wasn’t ready to let the Marauders gain too much distance on the scoreboard, keeping the competition closer than it had been all game. Despite this, the Marauders gained momentum as Sundara had two consecutive service aces mid-set and the home crowd erupted. Outside hitter Sundara led with four kills, while Hatashita contributed three. McMaster didn’t crack under pressure and were able to hold onto the lead, ultimately winning the set 25-17.
Up Next
Next, the Marauders will rematch against the Lakers tomorrow in Burridge at 4pm. They will hope to pick up another win in front of their home crowd tomorrow.