After dropping a narrow first set, the no. 2 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders men's volleyball team went three sets unanswered, defeating the Guelph Gryphons 3-1 (27-29, 25-17, 25-19, 25-16).
 
In a Friday night tussle at the Burridge gym, the Marauders were good for .246 hitting percentage in the four-set battle, connecting on 50 kills on a total of 118 attacks. 
 
Fifth-year veterans Matt Passalent and Craig Ireland carried the bulk of the load going for 14 and 13 kills, respectively, with only four errors apiece to their name.
 
Fourth-year setter David Doty carried the way with 42 assists and 13 digs for the Marauders who stunned the Gryphons for three straight sets.
 
With the win the Marauders have secured a playoff spot as well as home court during the quarterfinals, heading into the playoffs in first-place in the OUA West division on a 13-1 record, 10 points clear of the second-place Gryphons.
 
With Final Four hosting rights falling to the highest remaining OUA West team, the path to reclaim the Forsyth trophy will end at the Burridge Gym if successful for the Marauders.
 
NEXT UP: With their final regular season home game behind, the Marauders hit the road for three games before playoffs, with the first coming tonight against the Waterloo Warriors. Game time is scheduled for 8pm.