HAMILTON, Ont. – After last week’s bye, the #8 nationally-ranked McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball team will return to home court for the final times this regular season. The maroon and grey will host the RMC Paladins for two contests this weekend, with first-serve scheduled for 6PM on both Friday and Saturday.
RMC vs McMaster
Burridge Gymnasium | Hamilton, Ont.
February 4th, 2023 & February 5th, 2023 @ 6pm
The Marauders have won six straight contests with the Paladins and will look to add another two wins to their resume this weekend. It has been three and a half years since the two squads last met in November of 2019, with McMaster taking that contest 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-16) in Kingston. RMC has faced some difficult competition this season and has struggled to win an OUA match during the 2022-23 campaign. The Paladins are coming off two sweeps at the hands of the TMU Bold but, with just six games left on the regular season schedule, will look to secure a victory and make a statement.
McMaster is peaking at the right time and has won seven of its last eight matches, including an impact win over the then #2 Brock Badgers. The Marauders have picked up only one loss in 2023 and will aim to improve their record to 13-3 this weekend. With just four away contests still on the schedule after this weekend, including some tough match-ups with the likes of the Western Mustangs, Waterloo Warriors, TMU Bold and Toronto Varsity Blues, the maroon and grey will need to finish strong to lock down a spot in the post-season.
Last Time Out
The Marauders fell in four sets to the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday January 21st on the road. Leading the Marauders’ attack was Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.), with an impressive 19 kills, while Emma McKinnon (Milton, Ont.) made nine kills. Chayse Victoria (Oakville, Ont.) led the team with 17 assists, while libero Hayley Brookes (Burlington, Ont.) had 16 digs.
The first set started out as a close match, with both teams strong on their defense. The Marauders struggled to defend as the Warriors reached set-point. Waterloo was strong on their home court and finished the set confidently with a service ace and a score of 25-13. After a difficult first set, the Marauders hoped to bring new intensity to the second. The points went back and forth, but the Warriors continued to find holes in the Marauders defense. Libero Brookes showcased athleticism through eight impressive digs, as the team fought to keep the score close throughout the set. Sundara had an outstanding eight kills in the set, while McKinnon made three. Ultimately, McMaster was able to out edge the Warriors and won the set 25-23. The third set started out close, as the teams were matched up on the scoreboard. Waterloo gained momentum and were able to score consecutive points without response from the Marauders multiple times. Near the end of the set, McMaster couldn’t stop the Warrior’s offense, as they racked up the points to win 25-18. In the fourth and final set of the game, the Marauders struggled with their errors but were able to keep themselves in the game until late in the set. Victoria made another service ace and Sundara made four kills, but the Marauders couldn’t keep up with the home team’s intensity. Waterloo scored four consecutive points to finish the game 25-19.
Players to Watch
McMaster Marauders
#5 Sullie Sundara, 2nd Year (Elig.), Outside Hitter
- Leads the Marauders in kills (229)
- Ranks 8th in the conference in solo blocks – 16
- Has 21 service aces on the season (7th in the OUA)
#6 Hayley Brookes, 2nd Year (Elig.), Libero
- Ranks fourth in the OUA in total digs (198)
- Averages 3.54 digs per set (fourth in the OUA)
- Has recorded 38 assists on the season
RMC Paladins
#4 Emilie L’Abbé, 4th Year (Elig.), Setter
- Ranks 14th in the OUA in total assists (181)
- Averages 4.89 assists per set
- Has recorded 10 kills this season
#11 Emma Titley, 3rd Year (Elig.), Outside Hitter
- Leads the Paladins in kills (71)
- Ranks 10th in the conference in digs per set – 3.02
- Has six service aces on the season
Friday’s Game Coverage
Watch Live: https://oua.yaretv.com/
Instagram: @mcmasterwvb
Saturday’s Game Coverage
Watch Live: https://oua.yaretv.com/
Instagram: @mcmasterwvb
For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.