Box Score A challenge was what the Marauders desperately needed, and on Friday, they got just that.
 
Visiting their long-time rivals in Waterloo, the no. 3-ranked Marauders withstood a barrage from the Warriors en route to a five-set win by the slimmest of margins which kept their unbeaten run in the OUA alive another day.
 
Nudging past the hosts 15-12 in the fifth, McMaster improved to 14-0 in conference play and dealt Waterloo their eighth loss of the season.
 
With the help of the extended, five-set format, the Marauders had several players enjoy double-digit point nights. Danny Demyanenko led the charge with 15 points of his own, while Andrew Richards (14.5), Brandon Koppers (13.5) and Jayson McCarthy (11.5) all featured prominently on offence.
 
Demyanenko continues to lead the nation in hitting percentage at .503.
 
The Warriors also produced a series of double-digit point getters, led by Aidan Simone, who had a game-leading 16.5 points.
 
It looked to be another typical night for McMaster as they took the first set with ease, 25-17.
 
But in the second, the visitors found themselves in unfamiliar waters, as they trailed 16-15 at the technical timeout and eventually lost the set 25-21. It was just the fourth set the Marauders have lost all season.
 
Leading 22-18, Mac looked well on the way to victory in set three, before Waterloo mounted a spirited comeback. Ultimately, it fell just short, and the Marauders carried the frame 25-22 to take a 2-1 lead overall.
 
Looking to entertain their fans in the last home action of the regular season, the Warriors emerged entertained from the set break, and took the fourth 25-21 to level the match and push the Marauders to a fifth.
 
Having not lost two sets to an opponent in the OUA, the Marauders played their first set to 15 of the conference season. The fifth set was no different than any of the previous four, as the Warriors stood firm against the nationally-ranked Marauders.
 
Showing their resolve in the shortened decider, McMaster emerged victorious by a 15-12 margin to avoid the upset.
 
Next for the Marauders is a trip to Brock on Saturday, February 18, to face the struggling Badgers. Brock has lost nine straight matches and will play host to the Marauders final road game of the OUA's regular season. Game time is set for 8 p.m. following the women's match.