The McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball team came out with a win against the Guelph Gryphons as they took all three sets at home.
The team picks up their fourth win in five games since returning from the winter break.
This was also the second of two Black History Month game day events being hosted by the Marauders, spotlighting local Black-owned businesses and resources for Black students at McMaster, such as the Black Student Athlete Council (BSAC), the Black Student Success Center (BSSC) and the Black Students Association (BSA).
First-year outside hitters Emma McKinnon and Sullie Sundara led the Marauders with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Right alongside them, first-year Chayse Victoria had a career game with 32 assists, beating her own previous record of nine. Fifth-year, Jessie Nairn, also stepped up with nine kills and nine digs in the game.
In the first set, the Marauders came out with power as the first four points were four kills from Nairn. Chayse Victoria and Christina Stratford came in to support with eight and four assists respectively. The Marauders started the set with the lead, but the Gryphons managed to close the gap, gaining a lead of 13-10. After a timeout called by McMaster, they came out with newfound determination and caught the Gryphons, leading the Marauders to win the set 25-22.
The Marauders picked up four consecutive points early in the second set, leading them to an early lead that they held strong for the rest of the set. 5’11” setter Victoria made big waves, providing 12 assists to the team. McKinnon came up with a service ace and six kills, while Sundara put down five kills. The team took control and kept control to win the set 25-17.
Showing her strength in consistency, Victoria put up yet again 12 assists in the third set. The Gryphons led early in the set, but it didn’t take long for Mac to steal the lead and widen the gap. Jordan Vang subbed in late in the third set to make a big impact on the court. The 5’10” outside hitter came out with one kill attempt and nailed it, along with winning the game point with a service ace. The Marauders took the set 25-18 to win the game in a sweep.
The team looks forward to their next game on Sunday, as they rematch with the Gryphons on the road. They remain second in the OUA West Division, adding a win to their record, improving to 7-3.