HAMILTON, Ont. – The women’s volleyball team was unable to advance in the U SPORTS Championships today, losing 3-1 to last year’s champions, the UBC Thunderbirds. The much-anticipated U SPORTS tournament, which is being held at home in Hamilton, will continue tomorrow for the team as they move on to the consolation bracket. Although it was a tough loss, as coach Nathan Janzen said after the game to the team, “You’ve let nobody down. Nobody. I think it’s important that we acknowledge that the fan base is bigger than it’s ever been. Our fans have been amazing all season long and they were amazing again today and we’re super proud to play in front of them.”
It was an intense, roller-coaster of a game. The players were visibly energized from the fans who were cheering after every point, clamoring while the Thunderbirds served to distract them, and blowing horns in gleeful support. Tonight’s game was surely one for the history books.
SET RECAP
UBC started the game out in front. The gym was packed and the loudest it has been yet this season as the home fans tried to egg their team on. UBC’s right side presence was strong and was able to hit the ball cleverly off of McMaster blocks to gain points. The Thunderbirds boast an incredibly tall lineup, which made it hard for the Marauders to swing the ball over them. However, they stayed close behind, slowly chipping away at UBC’s 9 point lead to bring it to within 5 points. Multiple errors late in the set proved to be costly for McMaster and UBC won it 25-19. Outside hitter Sullie Sundara led the Marauders offense with 3 kills.
McMaster responded with a determined spirit. They led the second set for the entire time. This set was a crowd-pleaser with plenty of long rallies, scrambling, and laser-focused play. There was great passing from both sides as the athletes managed to get a hand on swings and tips that looked impossible to stop. Midway through the set, middle Ellie Hatashita helped give the Marauders a boost with some quick, well-timed kills. Middle Jenna Woock also swung in 2 aces. McMaster soon developed a 10-point lead. UBC managed to put together a comeback to bring it to within 2 points, led by a serving run from their setter Issy Robertshaw. Ultimately, though, the Marauders stayed focused to win the set 25-20. This set saw outstanding offensive performances from Sullie Sundara and Ellie Hatashita, who each racked up 6 kills. Liberos Hayley Brookes and Christina Stratford held it down on defense.
After lopsided starts in the earlier sets, the third set began with both teams neck and neck. However, multiple attacking and serving errors from UBC, combined with a huge solo block by outside hitter Maddy Lutes and back-to-back aces by Jenna Woock, allowed the Marauders to gain a slim lead midway through the set. UBC hustled hard on defense to win some decisive, long rallies and caught up. Their stamina was impressive and helped them take a 5-point lead late in the set. McMaster kept fighting. Serving specialist, setter Chayse Victoria, was subbed in and made an ace to bring it to 24-21. In the end, though, UBC persevered 25-21. Sullie Sundara made a great effort on defense, gaining 6 digs this set.
The fourth set began with UBC in front again. A couple of early errors from McMaster caused the gap to lengthen. Sullie Sundara had a few emphatic kills and McMaster’s right side offense was strong, but it wasn’t enough to thwart the Thunderbirds. Emotions were high. McMaster’s coach received a yellow card after criticizing the referee and the crowd cheered even louder, desperately pushing their team on. The Marauder’s struggled to catch up, however, as the Thunderbirds seemed to connect well on every swing. The final whistle blew as UBC triumphed 25-18.
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
Despite the loss, this was one of the best games the team has had all season long. Playing against last year’s U SPORTS Champions seemed to have elevated the Marauders’ game. Many players had strong performances. Sullie Sundara led the team in both kills and digs, picking up 15 and 12, respectively. The middle duo of Ellie Hatashita and Jenna Woock was formidable. Ellie Hatashita recorded 9 kills and 2 blocks while Jenna Woock, a Second Team All-Canadian player this year, put up 3 kills and 4 aces.
LOOKING FORWARD
The team still has a chance to make history at tomorrow and Sunday’s consolation games, which will decide the 5th-8th place finishes. The women’s team has never finished higher than 8th place nationally. The Marauders will seek to form a new legacy, starting with their first consolation game at 2 pm tomorrow.