The Marauders swept the Gaels in three sets on Friday night in the Burridge Gym. The team remains undefeated this season as they improve their win streak to nine.
Leading the attack for the Marauders was Maxime Gratton (Ottawa, Ont.) with nine kills and one service ace. Outside hitter Wojciech Kraj (Gliwice, Poland) also had an impressive offensive game with eight kills. Mateusz Wlodarski (Ottawa, Ont.) had an incredible performance with a staggering six service aces and six kills, proving to be a consistent offensive threat against the Gaels. Setter Robbie Fujisawa (North York, Ont.) supported the offense with 22 assists and an impressive kill. On defense, Matthew Rugosi (Etobicoke, Ont.) led the team with six digs.
The first set started out with a close battle as both teams fought to find the lead. Pressure was high in the Burridge as the Gaels proved to be tough competition. Despite the close start to the set, the Marauders quickly distanced themselves with five unanswered points. Wlodarski gave an impressive performance in the first set with a shocking five service aces, while Kraj led the team in kills with three. In the last 11 points of the set, the Marauders scored 10 and only allowed the Gaels one, proving their dominance on the court. The set was confidently closed by the Marauders with a service ace from Wlodarski to make the score 25-14.
The second set began similarly to the first, with the teams posting points back and forth. They continued to tie until the 12th point, but the Marauders looked comfortable on their home court and started to find their lead. They landed five unanswered points, including a staggering kill from Kraj that lit up the crowd. Despite this, the Gaels fought back with four consecutive points, unsettling the Marauders. Leading the McMaster offense was Gratton who was powerful with four kills. Late in the set, an ace by Gratton brought life to the Burridge, and the team continued to win the set 25-21.
The third set started again with points back and forth, as Queen’s fought to stay in the game. The Marauders settled into the game and found their power, slamming down six unanswered points on the stunned Gaels. Setter Fujisawa made an impressive kill mid set, with the crowd and team going wild. The Marauders continued to look strong and composed, with powerful offense coming from all around the court. On offense, Tyler Pavelic (Guelph, Ont.) led with four kills, alongside five other teammates who posted at least one kill. Energy was high in the Burridge as the Marauders looked powerful and comfortable on their home court. They finished the last set confidently with a score of 25-13.
Up Next
The Marauders will now rematch with the Gaels tomorrow in the Burridge at 8pm. They will hope to maintain their undefeated status as they play their last game before the winter break.