“Earned not given”: Haben Yohannes and the value of the little details 

Hamilton, ON- Haben Yohannes knows the legacy of the McMaster men’s volleyball program. He’s played under legendary former head coach Dave Preston. He’s played with former teammates Sam Cooper, Mateusz Wlodarski and Wojciech Kraj.  He understood and felt what being part of that program meant after the Marauders loss to the Windsor Lancers on Nov. 18. “A bad taste in your month,” he described it as. … Continue reading “Earned not given”: Haben Yohannes and the value of the little details 

Jenna Woock back competing with Marauders community 

Hamilton, ON- Jenna Woock hadn’t been injured before – at least not to this extent. So, when the McMaster Marauders fifth-year middle injured her foot this preseason, she learned about what it would require. She learned what she missed.  It was a new experience for the Richmond Hill native who – through all her years in high school, the University of Toronto and professionally in Hungary … Continue reading Jenna Woock back competing with Marauders community 

“It felt really good”: Palanca and Heidbuurt earns opportunities with Marauders’ depth

Hamilton, ON- Aidan Palanca couldn’t help but smile. The second-year libero had worked hard all week in practice and here was his chance. He soaked it all in until the very end.  Palanca hasn’t played in many games but played more than ever in the McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team’s three set victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 10.  He alternated with libero Ben Kerkhoff, … Continue reading “It felt really good”: Palanca and Heidbuurt earns opportunities with Marauders’ depth

“She’s an energy giver”: Christina Stratford’s volleyball passion burns bright

Hamilton, ON- Everything came full circle for Christina Stratford. The fifth-year Burlington native came into McMaster as a libero. As the years went on through, her role changed. She became a setter but also became so much more than that.  On Nov. 10 against the Waterloo Warriors, she went back to playing libero – filling in for teammate Hayley Brookes. The Marauders won in three sets. … Continue reading “She’s an energy giver”: Christina Stratford’s volleyball passion burns bright

“Find ways to win”: McMaster shows its grit to stay undefeated

Hamilton, ON-Even with their undefeated record season record and number five national ranking, the McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball journey hasn’t been without adversity.  They’ve dropped some games in the preseason. The Marauders faced that adversity in their most recent games – a 3-0 win over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 10 and a 3-2 win over the York Lions on Nov. 11.  Against Waterloo, they … Continue reading “Find ways to win”: McMaster shows its grit to stay undefeated

“Unshakable belief in yourself:” Marauders win opener behind Maxime Gratton’s power of the serve

Hamilton, ON- As McMaster Marauders outside hitter Maxime Gratton lined up for one of his serves, he knew and felt the trust in himself. Yes, it was during a men’s volleyball game between the Marauders and the Toronto Varsity Blues where there were a combined 59 service errors (33 for McMaster, 26 for Toronto). A game in which the Marauders battled back from an early 1-0 … Continue reading “Unshakable belief in yourself:” Marauders win opener behind Maxime Gratton’s power of the serve

“I’m ready for it”: Payton Entwistle steps up with confidence against Toronto

Hamilton, ON- Payton Entwistle knew what she had to do as soon as it happened. She knew as soon as McMaster setter Emma Dhanjal went out injured in the second set of the McMaster Marauders’ women’s volleyball season opener against the Toronto Varsity Blues.  Entwistle knew she would have to play more and fill Dhanjal’s role. It was scary, she admits. She was nervous about it.  Coming … Continue reading “I’m ready for it”: Payton Entwistle steps up with confidence against Toronto

“It’s a long push”: What’s McMaster’s starting lineup as regular season looms? 

Hamilton, ON- With all their depth and lineups they’ve already used, one question looms large for the McMaster women’s volleyball team: What will their starting lineup be?  That was one thing to consider as the Marauders wrapped up their preseason slate with a three-set loss to the Queen’s Gaels at home on Oct. 22. It followed a thrilling five-set comeback victory the previous night.  Like they … Continue reading “It’s a long push”: What’s McMaster’s starting lineup as regular season looms? 

“There’s no hesitation”: Abby Delamere seizes the moment in her second season 

Hamilton, ON- When the McMaster Marauders were on the cusp of completing their comeback, second-year outside hitter Abby Delamere tried to stay in the moment. When her moment came, she took it.  The Marauders women’s volleyball team had fought their way back against the Queen’s Gaels after falling behind the first two sets on Oct. 21. It was their second last preseason game. By the time … Continue reading “There’s no hesitation”: Abby Delamere seizes the moment in her second season 

“They didn’t miss a beat:” Marauders mix up lineups with depth and connections

Hamilton, ON- Amid all the lineups and all the players who played for the McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball team this past weekend, there was a common thread: they were all on the same page.  It’s something Marauders head coach Nathan Janzen pointed out. It’s been one of their preseason objectives. Yes, they can be deep but also play together.  “I wanted to make sure that all … Continue reading “They didn’t miss a beat:” Marauders mix up lineups with depth and connections