The Marauders fell in four sets to the Spartans on Saturday night in the sold-out Burridge Gymnasium. This competitive match will send the Marauders to battle for the bronze medal tomorrow afternoon.
Leading McMaster's offense was Sam Cooper (Hamilton, Ont.) with 12 kills and four service aces, earning him the match MVP title for the home team. Setter Robbie Fujisawa (North York, Ont.) supported the team with 35 assists and led the team in digs with six.
Trinity Western University (TWU) gained momentum early in the first set, with their offense finding the open spots on the Marauders' court. Despite this, McMaster was strong on their blocks, shutting down the Spartans at the net. The home team stayed composed under pressure, fighting to keep the score close. The teams battled back and forth, matching each other point for point. Leading the offense was Cooper with four kills and Fujisawa with 12 assists. The teams continued to tie up until the 21st point, when the Marauders found a small lead at 23-21, forcing a TWU timeout. McMaster reached the set point first, but the Spartans performed under pressure to stay alive. The Marauders managed to come out on top, closing out the intense set with a huge service ace from Cooper and a score of 27-25.
The second set started how the first ended, with a staggering service ace from Cooper. Intensity radiated through the gym, as McMaster continued to be strong on their blocks. The score was similar to the first, with the teams exchanging points but neither finding a substantial lead. Mid-set, setter Fujisawa made a challenge at the net, getting the point and thrilling the home crowd. TWU was able to find a small 14-12 lead, forcing a McMaster timeout. The Spartans found momentum on a seven-point run, creating a gap on the scoreboard. McMaster's offense was spread out, with three players making two kills each. The Marauders responded with four consecutive points late in the set, challenging TWU's lead. Despite this, it wasn't enough, and the Spartans won the second set 25-20.
After two close sets, the third was no different. Mid-set, McMaster found themselves a small lead and capitalized on the Spartans' errors. TWU responded to the Marauders' offense with strong digs, managing to tie the score back up at 17-17. There had been no stoppage in play up to this point, with both teams still holding onto their two timeouts. The Spartans managed to put in four consecutive points late in the set, allowing them to reach the set point first. TWU was able to finish the set on top with a score of 25-21, putting them one set away from winning the game.
The teams continued their competitive battle in the fourth set, with the Marauders needing to win to extend the game. McMaster was able to hold onto a small lead early in the set, but TWU showed resilience, tying the score back up at the 13th point and forcing a McMaster timeout. The Marauders struggled to defend the Spartans' powerful offense, but showed resilience, fighting to keep the score close. Ultimately, in a heartbreaking end, the Spartans came out on top with a score of 25-21, earning themselves a spot in the gold medal game.
Up Next
The Marauders will now look forward to competing for the bronze medal at 3pm tomorrow in the Burridge. Their opponent tomorrow will be the team that loses in the Sherbrooke Vert et Or versus Alberta Golden Bears match happening tonight.
