HAMILTON, Ont. —The Marauder varsity badminton team will join other university teams from across Ontario to compete at the OUA Championships from February 7-9th. The Marauders finished in fifth place last year and will look to better that outcome at this year's OUA tournament at the Tait McKenzie Centre in North York, Ont. Last year, McMaster also came away with two OUA All-Star picks in Jeslyn Chow (North York, Ont.) and former teammate Alex Zhang.

The Marauders are leaning on their all-stars this season, and they are hoping to bring home some hardware at the OUA Championships this year. The vibe on the team is energetic according to second year athlete, Victor Zhan (Kitchener, Ont.).

"With the OUA badminton Championships right around the corner, we're excited to showcase the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that has brought us to this moment. With a focused mindset and a drive to succeed, we look forward to making our mark and representing McMaster with pride," said Zhan.

The Marauders also took to home court this season at the McMaster Open. The second seeded team of Natalie Yee (Vancouver, B.C.) and Chow would take the title in the women's doubles. Yee is also an athlete to watch heading into championship season. 

Third year, Yee has already racked up multiple accolades including, runner-up at the Junior National Championships, Junior Provincial Champion for four consecutive years and has previously represented the Canadian Junior National Team and Team BC. As for her OUA resume, Yee was the 2023 OUA's Female Rookie of The Year Recipient. Yee has also racked up some awards in the Marauder sports community, as she was a finalist for the Mel & Marilyn Hawkrigg Rookie of the Year Award and the 2024 Varsity Badminton Female MVP.