The McMaster Marauders beat the Lakehead Thunderwolves in three sets on Saturday night at home. Starting the season out strong, the Marauders closed out the weekend with two wins. 

Second year outside hitter Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.) had a great game, leading the Marauders with 15 kills, nine digs and two service aces. Teammate Ellie Hatashita (Kanata, Ont.) also made her presence known on the court, posting seven kills. 6'1" Maddy Lutes (Barrie, Ont.) had a great defensive game, with eight digs and one solo block. Supporting her teammates, Christina Stratford (Burlington, Ont.) assisted a staggering 28 attacks. 

The game started out close, with both teams struggling to find the lead. The Marauders started to get into their groove as they distanced themselves on the scoreboard, pushing Lakehead to call a timeout. Sundara led the team in kills with five, while Hatashita and Jordan Vang (Kitchener, Ont.) contributed three each. Stratford was a key supporter by assisting ten of the twelve attacks in the set. The Marauders ran with their lead to close out the set 25-13. 

The second set started out similarly to the first, as the teams posted points back and forth. The momentum slowed for the Marauders as Lakehead served two consecutive service aces and gained the lead. McMaster showed strength in their composure as they fought hard to keep the score close. Outside hitter Sundara showcased a strong seven kills and two service aces, and Lutes was strong on defense with five digs. This was the tightest set of the game by far, but the crowd rallied with the Marauders through to their 25-22 win. 

Yet again, the teams fought for points in a tight start to the third set. After a service ace mid-set from Paige Entwistle (Jerseyville, Ont.), the Marauders began to settle in and gained a lead that they held with confidence. Entwistle displayed a strong performance in the third set with three kills and two digs. The Marauders managed to comfortably close the set at a score of 25-16, finishing off the game by sweeping in three straight sets. 

Up Next 

The Marauders will face off next against the Western Mustangs in London on Nov. 11th at 6pm. The team will look to continue their win streak as they head out of a strong opening weekend performance.