KINGSTON, Ont. – The Marauders fell to the Gaels in a tough three set match on Friday night.
This weekend presented a big turning point for the Marauders, as they faced off tonight in the first of two games against the Gaels in Kingston. Going into the game, both teams were ranked in the top four of the OUA, and this weekend could cause a significant shift in the standings. McMaster’s Brendan Mills and Queen’s Erik Siksna are both in the OUA top five for kills per set, with 4.08 and 3.61, respectively, building up for an intense showdown.
Leading McMaster’s offense tonight was Brendan Mills with eight kills, while Maxime Gratton made seven kills. Captain Robbie Fujisawa, always a key player for the Marauders, made 19 assists and three impressive service aces. Tyler Pavelic showed height at the net defensively, making three solo blocks. The Marauders hoped to play a smart defensive game tonight, especially knowing they had two players in the OUA top five in digs per set; Fujisawa and Matthew Rugosi.
The first set was an intensely close match, with neither team ever finding a lead bigger than two points. Tyler Pavelic, Fujisawa, and Peter Pilling each made a service ace in the set, as McMaster continued to try to find holes in the Queen’s court. The teams fought hard back and forth, finally reaching the first timeout of the game coming from McMaster at an 18-16 lead for Queen’s. Returning from the timeout, Queen’s made a service error and McMaster was able to pick up two more points. The Gaels immediately responded with four consecutive points, eventually earning themselves a close 25-23 win.
The second set started out strong for Fujisawa, who put down the first two points of the set with two service aces. McMaster found the first significant lead of the game, 4-1, but Queen’s returned with strong serves and kills that tied the game at the ninth point. The teams continued to match each other, tying up to the 18th point. Unfortunately for the Marauders, Queen’s managed to gain momentum later in the set and McMaster struggled to stop them. A McMaster timeout came at 22-19 for the Gaels, but Queen’s held onto their lead to win 25-21.
Going into the third set, the Gaels had put up seven more kills than the Marauders so far in the game. Despite this, the Marauders picked up the first two points of the set, hoping to hold onto an early lead. McMaster dug deep, showing their grit and determination to fight to stay alive in the game. Mid-set, a key solo block from Thomas Williams put McMaster up by one point, 10-9. Even with this, the Marauders struggled to defend the Gaels’ offense, with Queen’s finding a seven-point lead, the largest so far in the game. A brutal five point-run from the Gaels found them their 21-14 lead, securing them the win, 25-17.
Up Next
The Marauders record goes to 11-4 for the season, but they will rematch against the Gaels tomorrow evening at 8pm in Kingston.