The McMaster Marauders came out with a win after five hard fought sets against the Western Mustangs in London on Friday.
Outsider hitters Maddy Lutes (Barrie, Ont.) and Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.) both had great games, each putting up 18.5 points. Lutes displayed consistency with 16 kills while Sundara showed her power with 17 kills. Paige Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.) also had a strong offensive performance, with 10 kills and 11 points. Fourth year Christina Stratford (Burlington, Ont.) was a big supporter for the offense, making 41 assists, while libero Hayley Brookes (Burlington, Ont.) was strong on defense, leading with 21 digs.
The Marauders started out strong in the first set, with early kills from Lutes and Entwistle to help the Marauders gain their momentum. This early lead of 13-6 for McMaster forced the home team into a timeout. Playing on the road clearly didn’t deter the Marauders, as they continued to pick up points. Entwistle was having a great game, leading the team in the first set with a total of seven kills. The team showed their versatility on defense, with three players collecting more than four digs. As the Marauders approached the match point, the Mustangs were fighting back, but ultimately McMaster was able to take the set 25-20.
The start of the second set had points going back and forth, as both teams fought to keep the score close. The teams were tied up until 14-14, when McMaster started to distance themselves with a lead. Sundara had an impressive set, leading the team with eight kills, while Lutes showed her consistency with six kills. Stratford supported the team’s offense in a big way with 12 assists, while Ana Strbac (Oakville, Ont.) and Lutes each picked up a service ace. The Marauders continued with their lead to finish the set 25-18.
In the third set, the teams continued to match each other point for point, until the Mustangs gained their largest lead of the game so far, 12-19. The Marauders showed grit and determination, working hard to get points. Lutes continued her streak by putting up three kills, but the Marauders couldn’t keep up with Western. Despite McMaster’s best efforts, the Mustangs had too much momentum and took the set 25-14.
Going into the fourth set, both teams were feeling the pressure as they rallied. The Marauders were able to gain a small lead, but the Mustangs wouldn’t let them get far. Christine Hachokake (Ottawa, Ont.) played a strong set, with two kills and a service ace. The teams were neck and neck until the end of the set, and as the Mustangs approached set point, the Marauders took a timeout. McMaster came out of this break in play with new motivation, putting up three consecutive points. Intensity was high as both teams stepped up their performances, continuing to tie up until the 27th point. After a hard-fought set, Western came out on top with a score of 29-27 to bring the game to a fifth set.
In the final set of the game, the Marauders performed under pressure, holding a small lead. The team displayed versatility with kills coming from many of their outside hitters as they held off the Mustangs. The Marauders were able to close out the five-set game with a win, finishing the last set 15-12.
Up Next
The Marauders will now look forward to playing the York Lions at home tomorrow at 6pm. They improve their win streak to three and hope to continue with their momentum in the Burridge Gym.