The Marauders were swept by the Varsity Blues on Sunday afternoon in Toronto for their last regular season game. Despite the game being a three-set sweep, it did not reflect how close this competitive match was.
First year outside hitter Christine Hachokake (Ottawa, Ont.) had an impressive game, leading the Marauders in kills with a career high of eight, along with two service aces and two solo blocks. Paige Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.) was alongside her with five kills and led with 15 digs. Supporting the offense, the assists were split between Chayse Victoria (Oakville, Ont.) with 13, and Payton Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.) with 10. Hayley Brookes (Burlington, Ont.) was consistent, making 14 digs in the game.
The Varsity Blues came out with the early lead in the first set, but the Marauders didn’t let them get too far by tying it up at 7-7. Both sides were strong on their blocks, but three big consecutive blocks from McMaster made Toronto use a timeout. After this, the Varsity Blues were able to find themselves a lead and hold onto it for most of the set, however, they struggled with a few service errors late in the set, allowing McMaster to start to close in on the point gap. Despite these errors, the Marauders weren’t able to generate enough offense late in the set and Toronto won 25-18.
The second set started with two service aces from Maddy Lutes (Barrie, Ont.) early on, as the Marauders were able to find themselves a small lead. Libero Brookes had an athletic performance, with some big digs for the Marauders’ defense. Mid-set, a deceiving dump from setter Victoria lit up the McMaster bench, leading the Marauders to a 9-5 lead and forcing a Toronto timeout. Despite kills coming from Hachokake, Lutes and Paige Entwistle, the Varsity Blues found momentum on their home court and tied the set back up at the twentieth point. McMaster called a late timeout in an attempt to slow Toronto’s offense, but ultimately, the Varsity Blues were on a roll and won in a close set of 25-22.
In the third set, the Varsity Blues came out strong, but the Marauders were able to hold on and tie the game back up at the sixth point. The teams continued to tie back in forth in this close third set, as McMaster fought to keep themselves in the game. The Marauders remained composed and stayed confident on their offense, with kills coming from five different McMaster players in the set. Both teams called timeouts late in the set, as they attempted to adjust their strategies and rally their teams in this close third set. Intensity was high as the teams continued to match each other on the scoreboard, but ultimately, the Varsity Blues were able to edge out the Marauders 25-23.
Up Next
This was the Marauders’ last regular season game as they head into playoff season next weekend. The team will host the OUA quarterfinals next weekend, and more updates will be released when they know who they will be matching up against.