Narrowly missing a fifth set, the McMaster Marauders women's volleyball team held in tight but ultimately fell to the No. 8 nationally ranked Brock Badgers 3-1 on Friday night.
 
The home team got off to a strong start, stunning the visiting Badgers 25-15 to take the first set. Service aces carried the way for the Maroon - Rebecca Maxwell and Nikolina Malic recorded a pair on route to a total of seven in the opening set alone.
 
But the Badgers were quick to answer, taking the next two 25-21 and 25-18 for a 2-1 lead. Kamila Haase was efficient three sets in, going for four kills on five total attacks, she would go on to connect on seven for a .500 hitting percentage.
 
In the fourth, and final set, the Marauders took control, heading into the technical timeout with a 16-11 lead. A pair of kills from Haase, and an ace from Hailey Kranics looked certain to secure things.
 
Four errors down the stretch changed the story foor the Marauders, as the No. 9 ranked Badgers tied things up at 24-24. Thereafter, back-to-back kills from Laura Condotta clinched the win for the visitors.
 
Jessie Nairn led all players with 22 points on 17 kills, seven digs, and three aces. Nikolina Malic dished out 34 assists, while Maxwell was good for 13 digs.
 
With the loss, the Marauders slip to 8-7 but remain in fourth place in the OUA West division, while the Badgers stay tied for first with a game in hand on a 10-3 record.
 
NEXT UP: The Marauders will play their final home game next Friday at 6pm against the Guelph Gryphons, before ending their season on a three-game road trip.