The Marauders bested the Mustangs in a thrilling four-set game on Saturday night, earning themselves redemption after a tough five-set loss on Friday night. They improved their record to 9-3 and hope to keep up their performance through the rest of the regular season.
After a strong performance last night, Mills was among the top scorers for McMaster with 14 kills and a service ace. First year Brady Paterson made 12 kills while Thomas Williams had a great game with 10 kills. Robbie Fujisawa made 54 assists, one service ace, and 13 digs.
The first set was a close contest, which was unsurprising after last night’s five set game. Second year Jack Mackley came in with a huge block early in the set, lighting up the home bench. Gratton picked up five kills in the first set, while Mills and Jared Kuiken picked up service aces. The teams continued to tie most of the set, until McMaster made a four-point run, earning a lead of 22-15. This was returned with a quick response from the Mustangs, who earned five consecutive points, increasing the intensity in the home crowd. Despite this, McMaster was able to earn three more points to win the set 25-21.
The second set proved how evenly matched the teams were, with each side exchanging scores up until the 17th point. Mills led the Marauders with nine kills, while Gratton put up four. Western began to find a small lead late in the set, unsettling the Marauders. But the home team wasn’t ready to give up, clawing their way back to close the lead to 23-22. A huge kill from Mills tied the teams up at the 23rd point, forcing a second Western timeout. In a nail-biting end, Fujisawa made a service ace to finish the set for McMaster 27-25.
The Mustangs fought to keep the score close, as they went into the third set needing a win to stay in the game. Western found the early lead, as the Marauders struggled to find their momentum. A difficult injury mid-set forced a line change for McMaster, subbing in Williams and Grayson Jarrett. Williams and Jarrett showed great composure and skill, each making three kills in the set. Ultimately, the Marauders couldn’t close the gap and Western stayed alive for another set, winning 25-18.
The fourth set brought new energy to McMaster, knowing that winning this set would give them the game. Despite this, the Marauders struggled on the long rallies mid-set, allowing the Mustangs to gain a two-point lead, 15-13. The Marauders fought back with the help of a block from Kuiken, bringing them to a 24-22 lead. Attempting to stay alive, Western called a timeout at McMaster’s set point. Coming off the break, the Mustangs scored the point, increasing the tension in the crowd. The intensity rose as Western found new energy and tied the game 24-24, but the Marauders were able to find the win in a thrilling 26-24 final set.
Up Next
The Marauders will look forward to playing against the TMU Bold next Friday evening in Burridge.