WINNIPEG – The No. 2 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders men's volleyball team battled a tough No. 7 Calgary Dinos falling short 3-1 in the U SPORTS Quarterfinals in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Hosted by the Manitoba Bisons, the Marauders made their entrance into the tournament as the second seed but saw their undefeated season stop short of the medal rounds of the national tournament.
U SPORTS second-team all-Canadian, Sam Cooper, led all players with an emphatic 23 kills on a .383 hitting percentage, keeping the Marauders in it throughout much of the game. Cooper tied his career best with an impressive seven service aces, earning Player of the Match honours.
"He's a big-time player, and I wouldn't expect him to be anything less today," said Head Coach Dave Preston on Cooper's dominant play.
"I thought [Sam] did a pretty good job today, handling what was in front of him, and I don't think this is going to be that young man's biggest arena – but you can learn something in every arena you're in."
For the Dinos, fifth-year Hamish Hazelden had 17 kills and added seven digs as they stunned the Marauders (25-19, 26-24, 21-25, 25-21).
The Dinos jumped out to a commanding 2-0 set lead to start the match in due part to a strong defensive showing, while also capitalizing on Marauders errors. The Marauders took the third set 25-21 to pull themselves back into the contention but Calgary rebounded in the fourth to secure the win and a birth in the national semifinals.
Schedule & Results
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First-year Robbie Fujisawa could be counted on in multiple locations, dishing out 44 assists, as well as recording nine digs, and stretching out for one solo block and two assisted blocks on the day. 2022 U SPORTS All-Rookie team member, Maxime Gratton, was an active and pivotal force for the Marauders with 13 kills, as well as eight digs and one service ace.
The Marauders will move to the consolation bracket and play the Queen's Gaels at 1:30pm ET on Saturday March 26th.
Meanwhile, with the win the Calgary Dinos advance to semi-final 1 on Saturday March 26th at 7pm ET where they will face either the Alberta Golden Bears or the Queen's Gaels.
Mikasa Top Performers Presented by Nike Team
Calgary Dinos: Hamish Hazelden
McMaster Marauders: Sam Cooper
As the Exclusive Volleyball Supplier of U SPORTS, Mikasa will provide match balls, as well as other prizing to the U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship and the U SPORTS Women's Volleyball Championship in 2022.
