MARAUDERS GO THE DISTANCE WITH WARRIORS BUT FALL SHORT

The McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball team went the distance against the Waterloo Warriors on Sunday afternoon, falling short 2-3 (18-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-13, 4-15).

It was a game of career-highs for the Marauders who came into the match on a four-game win streak. Jessie Nairn led all players with a career-high 20 kills on the day, to go along with 13 digs – good enough for a game-high 21.5 points.

First-year’s Sullie Sundara and Emma McKinnon continued to support the offence with 17 and 10 kills, respectively. Setter, Christina Stratford, continued to shine in her role as she set a career-high in assists, with 42.

Starting in the rotation was Emma McKinnon, Ana Strbac, Sullie Sundara, Jessie Nairn, and Ellie Hatashita, with Christina Stratford at setter and Hayley Brookes in the libero position.

It was a slow start for the Marauders who struggled to find their footing in the first two sets, connecting on .062 of their attacks in the first set alone.

Coming alive in third set, the Marauders put away 17 kills – seven of which came from first-year Sundara who also recorded a career-high 17 kills in the game. The momentum carried into the fourth set as they exploded to a 25-13 set win behind a series of aces from Stratford.

With the score tied, and the comeback almost complete, the Marauders fell short in the fifth set as Waterloo held the home side to four points in the final frame. Struggling to find a rhythm, the Marauders hit -.200 and recorded six errors in the set.

With the loss, the Marauders fall to 6-3, while the Warriors move up and match the Maroon on record. Both teams now sit tied for second in the OUA West division.

The Marauders will now look ahead to Friday as they take on the Guelph Gryphons at home. The Gryphons have yet to record a win this season with an 0-6 record, as the Marauders will look to get back to winning ways. Start time is schedule for 6pm.