HAMILTON, Ont. – After winning yesterday against the Brock Badgers in what was likely their best game yet, the women’s volleyball team took a crushing loss today. This past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for the team. The disappointment from their losses against Queen’s last week seemed to be a thing of the past after yesterday’s impressive win, but now the women must recover and regroup yet again. They surely put on a show for the crowd, though, as today’s game was exciting and invigorating all throughout.
After yesterday’s close contests, especially at the opening of the sets, it was no shock that the first set went similarly. The teams took turn gaining points and neither side had more than a one-point lead until the score hit 9-9. Brock then went on a scoring run, led by their right side hitter Sadie Dick. The Marauders took a quick timeout to regroup which helped them gain a few points, but Brock was very effective on offense, playing their hits off of the block when it seemed like the McMaster frontcourt was closing in on them. McMaster setter Chayse Victoria was subbed in to serve and bagged two aces, giving the Marauders a desperately-needed boost, but it was ultimately not enough. Brock took the set 25-22. Outside hitter Maddy Lutes was especially impressive this set and recorded 4 kills including an emphatic backcourt swing that took everyone by surprise.
Brock was still hot and took an early lead in the second set. McMaster caught up quickly, though. Maddy Lutes, who had another 5 kills in the second set, was instrumental in keeping her team in the game. A tall outside hitter at 6,1″, her high reach allowed her to hit the ball over the Brock blockers, who seemed to be smothering every hit. An ace by outside hitter Emma McKinnon, followed by two big blocks from outside hitter Olivia Julien, helped McMaster establish a lead midway through the set. Another ace by outside hitter Sullie Sundara prompted the Badgers to take a timeout in an attempt to regroup. It worked. Brock came back strong and swung hard on offense, allowing them to win the second set 25-23.
Middle Ellie Hatashita put some hope into the McMaster team as she opened the third set with a block and an ace. The Badgers did not let up, though, and the score was close for the first half of the set. It was a very energetic scene, with plenty of big blocks and kills from both sides that sent the ball smashing into the floor, out of the defenders’ reaches. The stands were much fuller today than yesterday and included multiple passionate Brock fans who travelled to support their team. The crowd was delighted after a Brock player attempted to return an overpowering swing from Emma McKinnon, causing the ball to crash into one of the ceiling lights. There was also some emotional heckling going on. Both teams tried to withstand the pressure and as Brock developed a sizeable lead late in the set, the Marauders tried to hold on with all their might. However, the Badgers blazed forward with confidence and inspiration, winning the set 25-17 and ending the game in just 3 sets.
It was an unfortunate finish for the team, but there were still some notable performances from the Marauders. Maddy Lutes was on fire today, recording 10 kills, 1 ace, and 6 digs. Olivia Julien led the team in points with 16 off of 9 kills, 2 blocks, and 1 ace.
LOOKING FORWARD
Just two games remain in the regular season. Although today’s results were not what the team had hoped for, this was still a very impressive weekend for them that should be beneficial for their growth moving on. They beat the top team in the league after recovering from a tough loss, so they will no doubt be able to muster up a similar comeback for next week. Their last home game of the regular season, they will face the Waterloo Warriors on Friday at 6 pm.
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