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Marauder Minute

Media Sports Information Assistants Mikayla Paszt, Lidia Tewodros, Madi Mooney

Marauder Minute (January 5-11, 2025)

McMaster women's volleyball start 2026 with back to back wins at Waterloo, track team open season in Windsor

Hamilton, Ont. - The Marauders had a busy schedule this week with men's and women's basketball each hosting Lakehead, while women's volleyball went undefeated with two wins over Waterloo. McMaster athletes also competed at the Brock Invitational (Wrestling), Can-Am Classic (Track), and Carleton Invitational (Fencing).

Men's Basketball
January 9 - W: 71-69 vs Lakehead | Box Score
January 10 - L: 62-89 vs Lakehead | Box Score

Women's Basketball
January 9 - W: 67-65 OT vs Lakehead | Box Score
January 10 - L: 63-68 vs Lakehead | Box Score

Men's Volleyball
January 9 - L: 2-3 (25-22, 25-23, 19-25, 22-25, 12-15) vs Waterloo | Box Score
January 10 - L: 1-3 (23-25, 26-28, 25-15, 31-33) vs Waterloo | Box Score

Women's Volleyball
January 9 - W: 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-23) vs Waterloo | Box Score
January 10 - W: 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-7) vs Waterloo | Box Score

Wrestling
January 10 - Brock Invitational, St. Catharines, Ont. | Results

Track
January 9 - Can-Am Classic, Windsor Ont. | Results

Fencing
January 10-11 - Carleton Invitational, Ottawa Ont. | Results


Men's Basketball
January 9 - W: 71-69 vs Lakehead | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders pulled out a thrilling 71–69 win over the Lakehead Thunderwolves, sealing the game with a late defensive comeback at Burridge Gym this Friday.

McMaster set the tone early with a big block from Ares Culley-Bremner (Hamilton, Ont.) on the opening possession, followed by quick buckets from No. 6 and a smooth three from Jack McMahan (Burlington, Ont.). Riaz Saliu (Oshawa, Ont.) caught fire midway through the first, knocking down back-to-back threes to push the Marauders ahead before closing the quarter up 19–15. Lakehead briefly took control in the second, but Saliu responded with a strong rebound, then came up with a steal and a layup before converting an and-one to swing momentum back to McMaster. Despite an intense stretch that included a huge season-first block from Cooper Darke (Toronto, Ont.), the Marauders entered halftime trailing 40–33.

Lakehead maintained its edge through the third quarter, but McMaster stayed within reach. Saliu hit a timely three to keep the deficit manageable, and Darke added key finishes inside as the Marauders trailed 50–58 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged to McMahan, leading the offensive push, with Tyler Garcia (Mississauga, Ont.) cutting the gap to five before McMahan drained a three to make it a two-point game. Jacyn Taylor (Pickering, Ont.) finished a clean look off a feed from Garcia to tie it, and moments later, McMahan buried a corner three that sent Burridge into a frenzy. Culley-Bremner answered with a bucket to force a timeout, before McMahan struck again from deep to give McMaster its first lead in two quarters. With the game on the line, Taylor stepped up defensively, intercepting a baseline pass with three seconds left to seal the 71–69 victory.


January 10 - L: 62-89 vs Lakehead | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders (2-11) returned to Burridge Gymnasium on Saturday evening for a hard-fought contest against the Lakehead Thunderwolves (8-4) but fell 89-62. McMaster found its rhythm early, with Tyler Garcia (Mississauga, Ont.) hitting an opening jumper before Jeremiah Francis (Surrey, B.C.) followed with a 3-pointer. Lakehead increased the pressure as the half progressed, but the Marauders were able to generate several scoring opportunities. Jack McMahan (Burlington, Ont.) knocked down two 3-point jumpers to keep McMaster competitive despite Lakehead's 52-22 lead at the break. 

Garcia started the second half strong with a 3-pointer as the Marauders continued to apply defensive pressure. Lakehead challenged McMaster throughout the frame until James Kelly(Toronto, Ont.) came up with a steal and finished with a dunk transition. Riley Bleich (Fonthill, Ont.) added a dunk of his own, followed by late 3-pointer's from Garcia and Francis as McMaster made a final push. Despite shooting 31.6% from the 3-point range, McMaster was unable to close the gap as Lakehead secured the 89-62 victory.
 

McMaster Basketball
Tyler Garcia shoots from behind the arch. (Aaron Hilson)


Women's Basketball
January 9 - W: 67-65 OT vs Lakehead | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders edged out the Lakehead Thunderwolves in a hard-fought 67–65 overtime win after a game full of momentum on Friday evening at the Burridge Gymnasium.

McMaster came out sharp in the opening quarter, with Tayler Scott (Burlington, Ont.) setting the tone early inside the paint. Sophia Urosevic (Kitchener, Ont.) followed with a pair of threes to push the Marauders ahead, forcing Lakehead into an early timeout. Strong defence and confident shooting helped McMaster close the quarter up 18–8. The Marauders kept control in the second, widening the gap with steady offence and disciplined defence, heading into halftime with a 31–22 lead.
Lakehead pushed back in the third, but McMaster held firm. Grace Ammendolia (Hamilton, Ont.) came up with a key steal and finish to keep the Thunderwolves at bay, while Scott continued to attack the rim to maintain the advantage. The Marauders entered the fourth still in front, 47–41.

The final quarter turned into a battle. Lakehead briefly grabbed the lead, but McMaster answered. Scott hit a clutch step-back jumper before Urosevic drained a smooth three to tie the game. With time winding down, Scott added another strong finish inside to force overtime.

In the extra quarter, McMaster stayed composed. Urosevic hit a critical three to keep things level, and with under a minute remaining, Scott powered through for the layup. The Marauders held on defensively in the final seconds to seal the 67–65 overtime victory.

January 10 - L: 63-68 vs Lakehead | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders (3-10) put up a strong fight against the Lakehead Thunderwolves (4-8) on Saturday evening but fell 68-63 after a tight finish. 

McMaster opened the game with strong offensive momentum, with A'mya Rawlins-Thomas (Ajax, Ont.) getting points on the board early. The Marauders moved the ball well throughout the opening half and capitalized on defensive rebounds to stay competitive. Sophia Urosevic (Kitchener, Ont.) knocked down her first of several 3-pointers, followed shortly by a steal from Tayler Scott (Burlington, Ont.) to keep McMaster's energy high. With under 20 seconds remaining in the half, and the Marauders trailing, Daully Patterson (Hamilton, Ont.) drained a 3-point jumper to give McMaster the 30-29 lead heading into the break. 

The second half opened at a controlled pace, with both teams trading baskets and keeping the score tight. Lakehead briefly seized momentum before Urosevic answered with another 3-pointer to close the gap. The closing moments of the third quarter were tense, but the Marauders found their rhythm. Emily Frankovic (Thornhill, Ont.) came up with a key steal and converted a layup on the break to tie the game 50-50 heading into the fourth quarter. Despite a close score and two more 3-pointers from Urosevic, the Thunderwolves held firm down to the final stretch to secure the 68-63 victory.
 

McMaster Basketball
Emily Frankovic lines up a shot from the foul line. (Allison Sippel)



Men's Volleyball
January 9 - L: 2-3 (25-22, 25-23, 19-25, 22-25, 12-15) vs Waterloo | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders pushed the match to five sets on Friday night but ultimately fell just short in a hard-fought battle against Waterloo

McMaster opened the match with confidence, controlling the tempo in the first set behind a balanced attack. Grayson Jarrett (Camrose, Alta.) and Kaden Zunti (Burlington, Ont.) led the offence, while Ronan Huth (Edmonton, Alta.) and Jason Heidbuurt (Hamilton, Ont) shared key shots to keep Waterloo off balance. The Marauders closed the opening frame 25–22 and followed with another composed performance in the second set, winning 25–23 to take a 2–0 lead.

In the third set, McMaster continued to battle through long rallies, with Seth O'Brien (Kingston, Ont.) contributing kills on the night and strong defensive coverage from Matthew Rugosi, (Toronto, Ont.) who finished with a team-high 16 digs. Despite steady effort, the Marauders were unable to maintain momentum as the match extended.

The fourth set saw McMaster respond with renewed energy. Ashton Fox-Kristensen (Elora, Ont.) anchored the net with a match-high four blocks, while Matthias Cooper (Hamilton, Ont.) added two aces to apply pressure from the service line. The Marauders stayed within striking distance throughout the set, but the contest was forced to a deciding fifth.

In the final frame, McMaster traded points early and stayed aggressive offensively. Jarrett and Zunti continued to find success at the net, while Heidbuurt added eight digs to support the backcourt. Despite a strong push, the Marauders fell 15–12 in the fifth set.
 

January 10 - L: 1-3 (23-25, 26-28, 25-15, 31-33) vs Waterloo | Box Score
 

The McMaster Marauders delivered a determined effort on Saturday afternoon against Waterloo, pushing two sets beyond regulation in a tightly contested four-set match.

McMaster opened the frame with strong defensive play and long rallies, staying within striking distance throughout the first set. Kaden Zunti (Burlington, Ont.) and Matthias Cooper (Hamilton, Ont.) provided early offensive pressure, while Matthew Rugosi (Toronto, Ont.) anchored the backcourt with multiple key digs. Despite the Marauders' push late, the opening set narrowly slipped away, 25–23.

The second set showcased McMaster's resilience. Ronan Huth (Edmonton, Alta.) and Jason Heidbuurt (Hamilton, Ont)  split setting duties to keep the offence balanced, while Mekhi Fitzgerald (Milton, Ont.) and Ashton Fox-Kristensen (Elora, Ont.) found success at the net. The Marauders battled through extended points and fought off set point opportunities, but the frame ended in extra points, 28–26.

McMaster responded in the third set with one of its most efficient performances of the match. Fox-Kristensen added two aces, and Jack Mackley (Toronto, Ont.) made a major impact defensively, finishing the match with a team-high nine blocks. The Marauders controlled the pace finishing the set with a 25–15 win. In the fourth set. Despite multiple late pushes, the set concluded 33–31.

 

McMaster Volleyball
Jason Heidbuurt, left, and Ashton Fox-Kristensen, right, wait for a serve against Waterloo. (Courtney Caird)


Women's Volleyball
January 9 - W: 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-23) vs Waterloo | Box Score
 

The McMaster Marauders battled Waterloo Warriors on Friday night and fought their way to hard-earned 3–1 victory. 

McMaster faced an early challenge in the opening set but stayed competitive through long rallies and solid defensive coverage. Olivia Julien (Toronto, Ont.) helped steady the attack, while Charlie Dean (Calgary, AB) directed the offence as the Marauders worked to find rhythm.

The momentum shifted decisively in the second set. Lucie Shaver (Surrey, B.C.) sparked the offence with confident swings, while Abby Delamere (Toronto, Ont.) added timely attacks and pressure from the service line securing the 25–20 set win.

The Marauders carried that energy into the third set, delivering their most efficient performance of the night. Strong blocking from Maddy Lutes (Barrie, Ont.) and Vidmar helped McMaster take control early, as the Marauders delivered a 25–17 set win.

The fourth set was tightly contested, but McMaster showed poise in key moments. Julien finished with a team-high digs while continuing to contribute offensively, and Dean made key assists to keep the attack balanced. With the score locked late, McMaster closed out the set 25–23 to secure the 3–1 victory.



January 10 - W: 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-7) vs Waterloo | Box Score

The McMaster Marauders earned a hard-fought five-set victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, taking the match 3–2 after a dominant performance down the stretch.

After dropping the opening two sets, the Marauders responded with poise and intensity, turning the momentum in their favour beginning in the third. McMaster found its rhythm offensively, in both the third and fourth sets, before closing the match in the fifth.

Olivia Julien (Toronto, Ont.) led the charge for the Marauders with match-high kills, adding four service aces and multiple digs for a complete two-way performance. Lucie Shaver (Surrey, B.C.) provided consistency at the net and added several digs defensively.

Eva Lin (Markham, Ont.) played a key role in the turnaround, adding two memorable aces, and several momentum-shifting plays from the service line. Abby Delamere (Toronto, Ont.) was a force at the net, contributing kills and blocks, including multiple key stuffs late in sets.

Setter Charlie Dean (Calgary, AB) directed the McMaster offence with assists, while Chayse Victoria (Oakville, Ont) chipped in defensively and from the service line.

 

McMaster Volleyball
Victoria Potvin makes a key dig vs Waterloo. (Tianna Dip)



Wrestling
January 10 - Brock Invitational, St. Catharines, Ont. | Results

McMaster wrestling delivered strong performances at the Brock Invitational this Saturday, highlighted by gold medals from Omogbai Asekomhe (men's 100kg) and Macy Malysiak (women's 62kg). Additional podium finishes came from Blayne Helou (3rd, men's 61kg), Chanjot Kang (3rd, men's 125kg), Olivia Lichti (3rd, women's 62kg), and Natalie Vecchio (2nd, women's 83kg).

Track
January 9 - Can-Am Classic, Windsor, Ont. | Results

McMaster put together a complete sweep in the men's 3000m, taking the top six places: Samuel Patrick won in 8:19.20, followed by Iain Thomson in 8:22.11, Austin McGoey in 8:23.04, William Weist in 8:25.61, Ryan Davies in 8:31.82, and Sam Richter in 8:32.55, all competing in Heat 3.
In the women's 3000m, the top Marauder finishers included Olivia Macaskill in 4th in 9:57.01, while Sophie Trott followed closely in 5th with a time of 9:58.64, continuing a strong showing for the Marauders.
 

Upcoming Events (Jan 12-18 2026)
                                                                               
Jan 16
6:00 PM: Women's Basketball @ Laurentian
6:00 PM: Women's Volleyball vs Nipissing | Tickets
7:30 PM: Men's Volleyball vs Nipissing | Tickets
8:00 PM: Men's Basketball @ Laurentian 

Jan 17
Swimming: McMaster hosting Brock, Guelph, Waterloo, Hamilton, Ont.
2:00 PM: Women's Volleyball vs Nipissing | Tickets
4:00 PM: Women's Basketball @ Nipissing
4:00 PM: Men's Volleyball vs Nipissing | Tickets
6:00 PM: Men's Basketball @ Nipissing 
Track: Western, Don Wright Challenge, London, Ont.
Squash: @ Queen's
Curling: Brock Invitational, St. Catharines, Ont.

Jan 18
Wrestling: @Western, London, Ont.


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Players Mentioned

Jason Heidbuurt

#11 Jason Heidbuurt

S
6' 0"
Second Year
2
Jack Mackley

#13 Jack Mackley

M
6' 3"
Third Year
3
Matthew Rugosi

#3 Matthew Rugosi

L
5' 10"
Fourth Year
4
Ashton Fox-Kristensen

#5 Ashton Fox-Kristensen

MB
6' 4"
First Year
1
Grayson  Jarrett

#9 Grayson Jarrett

OH
6' 2"
Second Year
2
Seth O

#12 Seth O'Brien

OPP
6' 5"
First Year
1
Kaden  Zunti

#16 Kaden Zunti

OH
6' 5"
Second Year
1
Ronan Huth

Ronan Huth

S
6' 6"
Second Year
1
Abby Delamere

#16 Abby Delamere

OH
6' 0"
Third Year
3
Olivia Julien

#4 Olivia Julien

OH
5' 10"
Second Year
2
Maddy Lutes

#20 Maddy Lutes

OH
6' 1"
Fourth Year
4
Chayse Victoria

#18 Chayse Victoria

S
5' 11"
Fourth Year
4

Players Mentioned

Jason Heidbuurt

#11 Jason Heidbuurt

6' 0"
Second Year
2
S
Jack Mackley

#13 Jack Mackley

6' 3"
Third Year
3
M
Matthew Rugosi

#3 Matthew Rugosi

5' 10"
Fourth Year
4
L
Ashton Fox-Kristensen

#5 Ashton Fox-Kristensen

6' 4"
First Year
1
MB
Grayson  Jarrett

#9 Grayson Jarrett

6' 2"
Second Year
2
OH
Seth O

#12 Seth O'Brien

6' 5"
First Year
1
OPP
Kaden  Zunti

#16 Kaden Zunti

6' 5"
Second Year
1
OH
Ronan Huth

Ronan Huth

6' 6"
Second Year
1
S
Abby Delamere

#16 Abby Delamere

6' 0"
Third Year
3
OH
Olivia Julien

#4 Olivia Julien

5' 10"
Second Year
2
OH
Maddy Lutes

#20 Maddy Lutes

6' 1"
Fourth Year
4
OH
Chayse Victoria

#18 Chayse Victoria

5' 11"
Fourth Year
4
S