HAMILTON, Ont. – The women’s volleyball team is off to the OUA finals! Today’s game against the Queen’s Gaels ended in a 3-1 victory for McMaster. Despite losing the first set, the women persevered, dominating the next 3 sets to win the game. The Brock Badgers won the other semifinal game today, which means the Marauders will have to topple them next week to clinch the OUA Championship title.
SET RECAP
The first set was extremely competitive. Queen’s took an early lead, but a couple of service errors allowed McMaster to quickly catch up. The teams were neck and neck from then on. A huge block from outside hitter Maddy Lutes propelled the Marauders to a 24-22 lead, but the Gaels weren’t done just yet. Their ability to put both power and placement into their attacks allowed them to extend the set. After what seemed like an eternity of back and forths, Queen’s reigned supreme and won it 34-32, closing the set out with an ace. McMaster’s outside hitters put on a show as Olivia Julien recorded 6 kills and Sullie Sundara bagged 3 kills alongside 2 aces.
Queen’s kept their momentum in the second set and built an early lead. However, more blocks from Maddy Lutes as well as middle Ellie Hatashita allowed McMaster to catch up. They played incredible defense, helped by flying digs from libero Hayley Brookes and accurate passes from Olivia Julien. Queens almost managed to close the gap late in the set, making McMaster nervous. Middle Jenna Woock stepped up with 2 impressive slide hits that won the Marauders the set 25-22.
McMaster had a renewed confidence heading into the next set. Everything seemed to connect for the team and they developed a significant lead. The Gaels didn’t make it easy for them, though. There were many long rallies where the Marauders had to scramble on defense to gain some ugly points, but they succeeded nonetheless. Serving specialist Chayse Victoria was also subbed in and helped the team go on a scoring run. The set ended in a 25-19 victory for McMaster.
The Gaels remained resilient, despite being down 2-1. They kept pressuring the Marauders with their strong serving which kept the score close during the beginning of the fourth set. Eventually, though, Sullie Sundara started to heat up, racking up a few kills and an ace to help the Marauders take a slim lead. Very fittingly, she ended the game with an emphatic kill as McMaster closed the set out 25-19.
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES
Tonight’s important win showcased the incredible talent on the women’s team. Olivia Julien was a rock on both offense and defense, recording 16 kills and leading the team in digs with 15. Sullie Sundara had an astounding 19 kills and 3 aces. With 11 kills from just 2 errors, Maddy Lutes had an impressively consistent game. Many players performed well and allowed the team to form a dangerous chemistry that we hope to see more of in the finals next week.
LOOKING FORWARD
The OUA finals are set for next Friday, March 8. As the Brock Badgers had the best record in the regular season, they will be hosting the game in St. Catharines. Tune into OUA.tv to watch the game live at 6:00 pm and see who takes home the Quigley Cup.
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