McMaster volleyball to host Ohio State and Long Beach State in North America Challenge

HAMILTON, Ont. – The McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team has confirmed its non-conference schedule for the 2022-23 season. The maroon and grey will match-up with four non-conference opponents, including two American powerhouses – Ohio State University and Long Beach State University. The North America Challenge will feature the Marauders’ three match-ups with the American competitors. Single game tickets and ticket packages for the North America Challenge are now on sale.

“We are really looking forward to our non conference matches this season – especially the Ohio State match in October and the Long Beach series in January,” says men’s volleyball head coach, Dave Preston. “It’s another step towards providing a more ‘normal’ experience for our student athletes and our fans.”

The Marauders (18-1, 12-0 OUA) will travel to Montreal for the first non-conference competitions of the new season. McMaster will face the Sherbrooke Vert et Or, Queen’s Gaels and Montréal Carabins over the course of three days from September 30th to October 2nd.

On October 15th, the team will return to Burridge Gymnasium to host the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-14, 7-7 MIVA) in the first of three scheduled North America Challenge games. The Marauders and Buckeyes have a lengthy history on the court, facing each other seven times in the past eight years. McMaster owns the series 5-2 and will look to add another win to its record in October.

McMaster will end the pre-season with a home-and-home against the Toronto Varsity Blues at the end of October. The Marauders will travel to Toronto on October 22nd before hosting the Varsity Blues the following Friday.

In the new year, the Marauders will then play two more North America Challenge contests versus another familiar opponent, Long Beach State University (21-6, 8-2 Big West). The two teams have matched up five times over the past five years. LBSU holds a 3-2 edge in the series. Long Beach State University will make the 2,485 mile trip from California to Hamilton for two matches with the Marauders on January 5th and 7th. 

“These matches provide us a great competitive opportunity against some of the best volleyball programs in North America. We are truly grateful for the relationship we have with both Ohio State and Long Beach State University,” stated Preston.

With six non-conference games under their belt before the start of the OUA season, Preston and his Marauders will open official conference play at home against the Trent Excalibur on November 4th and 5th. 

McMaster Men’s Volleyball Non-Conference Schedule

• 1:00pm – Friday September 30^th vs Sherbrooke Vert et Or – Montreal, Que.
• 5:00pm – Saturday October 1^st vs Queen’s Gaels – Montreal, Que.
• 2:30pm – Sunday October 2^nd vs Montréal Carabins – Montreal, Que.
•  7:00pm – Saturday October 15^th vs  Ohio State Buckeyes – Hamilton, Ont. 
• 4:00pm – Saturday October 22^nd at Toronto Varsity Blues – Toronto, Ont.
• 7:00pm – Friday October 28^th vs Toronto Varsity Blues – Hamilton, Ont.
• 8:00pm – Thursday January 5^th vs Long Beach State University – Hamilton, Ont.
• 1:00pm – Saturday January 7^th vs Long Beach State University – Hamilton, Ont.

North America Challenge Ticket Information

Tickets can now be purchased for each of the three North America Challenge games:

• Game 1: McMaster Marauders vs Ohio State Buckeyes – Saturday October 15th @ 7:00pm – Burridge Gym | Hamilton, Ont.
• Game 2: McMaster Marauders vs Long Beach State University – Thursday January 5th @ 8:00pm – Burridge Gym | Hamilton, Ont.
• Game 3: McMaster Marauders vs Long Beach State University – Saturday January 7th @ 1:00pm – Burridge Gym | Hamilton, Ont.

Single game tickets are on sale for $15 for adults and $10 for visiting students/seniors. The North America Challenge Package, which includes admission to all three McMaster vs OSU/LBSU games, are also available for $30.

Challenge packages and single game tickets can be purchased here. 

For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.