Marauders men’s volleyball takes on Paladins in final home contests of the regular season

HAMILTON, Ont. – With just six games remaining in the 2022-23 OUA season, the No. 2 nationally-ranked Marauders are the only undefeated team left standing. Looking to lock down top spot in the conference, the McMaster men’s volleyball team will face the visiting RMC Paladins twice this weekend. The final two home games of the regular season are set to begin at 8PM on both Friday and Saturday night.
 

RMC vs McMaster
Burridge Gymnasium | Hamilton, Ont.
February 4th, 2023 & February 5th, 2023 @ 8pm

 
Over the years, McMaster and RMC have matched up a total of twelve times since the Paladins joined the OUA in 2012-13.The last meeting between the two programs took place more than three years ago on November 2, 2019. The Marauders took that contest in three straight sets to earn the victory. The Paladins have had a tough 2022-23 campaign, being swept in thirteen of their fourteen matches this season. Despite being winless, RMC has battled. The Kingston squad earned a set win in a contest with the Queen’s Gaels and drew within three points in three sets with the TMU Bold. The visitors will look to make a statement this weekend and earn their first-ever win against the maroon and grey.
 
McMaster has impressed, yet again, this season, sitting at 14-0 in the conference standings. The Marauders have been ranked second in the nation all season long and will look to close out the home portion of their regular season schedule with two more wins.
 

Last Time Out

The Marauders defeated the Lions in four sets on Saturday January 21st on the road. The first set started out close, with points going back and forth. McMaster began to find themselves in the lead, displaying their consistently threatening offense. McMaster was able to best the Lions in the first set, winning 25-20.  After a competitive first set, the Lions were able to find a small lead at the start of the second set, off-putting the Marauders. York held onto a three or four-point lead for the majority of the set, but the Marauders were able to close in on them around the twentieth point. Despite their efforts, York reached the set point first. The Marauders turned their momentum around in the third set, taking a strong lead early on. Despite some challenges from York, the Marauders were able to hold onto the offensive edge. In a close set, McMaster was able to finish on top, 25-21. McMaster took a confident lead early in the fourth set, while the Lions fought to stay alive in the game. The Marauders went on multiple point runs, distancing themselves into a comfortable lead. McMaster was able to finish the game with a kill from Rugosi, who had a strong overall offensive game. The final score of the last set was decisively 25-13.  
 

Players to Watch

McMaster Marauders
 
#6 Mateusz Wlodarski, 5th Year (Elig.), Outside Hitter

• Ranks eighth in the conference, with a .281 hitting percentage
• Records 0.36 service aces per set (9th in the OUA)
• Sits fifth in the conference in solo blocks (17)

#14 Wojciech Kraj, 3rd Year (Elig.), Middle Blocker

• Records a .453 hitting percentage
• Averages 1.50 kills per set
• Has 34 total blocks this season

RMC Paladins
 
#13 Andrew Gallant, 2nd Year (Elig.), Setter

• Has 260 assists on the season
• Averages 6.05 assists per set
• Records 1.16 digs per set

#17 Joshua Wilkinson, 2nd Year (Elig.), Outside Hitter

• Leads the Paladins with 102 kills
• Averages 2.68 kills per set
• Has recorded 117.5 points this season

Friday’s Game Coverage

Watch Live: https://oua.yaretv.com/

Twitter: @McMasterSports

Instagram: @mcmastermvb

Saturday’s Game Coverage

Watch Live: https://oua.yaretv.com/

Twitter: @McMasterSports

Instagram: @mcmastermvb 
 

For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.