Category: Volleyball

Volleyball

“I wanted to soak that one in”: Marauders Capture Bronze in Dave Preston’s Farewell 

Hamilton, ON- As the bronze medal match ended, the realization came for Dave Preston.  He was standing on the sidelines of the Burridge Gym, coaching the team he’d coached since 2002– the McMaster men’s volleyball team. He had been at nationals before but this time was different.  It was his last-ever game as McMaster’s head coach. The team secured a three-set victory over the Alberta … Continue reading “I wanted to soak that one in”: Marauders Capture Bronze in Dave Preston’s Farewell 

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Volleyball

“It’s so sweet”: Spartans Earn Year-Long Redemption with National Title 

Hamilton, ON- Nearly every day after their championship loss, Mathias Elser thought about it. The Trinity Western Spartans third-year setter thought about his team’s defeat to the Alberta Golden Bears in the 2022 U SPORTS men’s volleyball finals. It was his first championship match – a chance to win a national title, like numerous other Spartans had done before him. When he thought about it, he … Continue reading “It’s so sweet”: Spartans Earn Year-Long Redemption with National Title 

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Volleyball

“We’re standing on the shoulders of Giants”: This year’s Spartans write their own history with Semi-Final win  

Hamilton, ON- Before the Trinity Western Spartans’ national semi-finals against the McMaster Marauders, senior Jesse Elser shared a story.  It was 2018, the same scenario his team was facing now: McMaster vs Trinity Western in the men’s volleyball semi-finals at McMaster. Elser remembers his team trailing in the first set. As a first-year back then, remembers the encompassing and scary environment.  The Spartans would win that … Continue reading “We’re standing on the shoulders of Giants”: This year’s Spartans write their own history with Semi-Final win  

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Volleyball

“We try to fight on every point”: Toronto and Montreal Win to Set Up Consolation Finals 

Hamilton, ON- When it comes the consolation semi-finals of the U SPORTS men’s volleyball nationals, it’s an opportunity for teams to redeem themselves from their quarterfinals loss. It’s an opportunity to earn the chance to play one more game.  The Toronto Varsity Blues and the Montreal Carabins did just that on Mar. 18 to set up the consolation finals.  Varsity Blues Earn Redemption from Last Year’s … Continue reading “We try to fight on every point”: Toronto and Montreal Win to Set Up Consolation Finals 

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Volleyball

“The Top of the Top”: How higher-ranked teams advanced in Men’s Volleyball Quarterfinals

Hamilton, ON- As quarterfinal action started and concluded at the U SPORTS men’s volleyball nationals, it would be a day for the higher-ranked seeds.  The three conference champions – the Alberta Golden Bears, McMaster Marauders, Sherbrooke Vert et Or – and the Canada West runner up Trinity Western Spartans all advanced to the semi-finals. Some games were tighter than others but none went five sets.  A … Continue reading “The Top of the Top”: How higher-ranked teams advanced in Men’s Volleyball Quarterfinals

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Volleyball

“You have complete trust in them”: Full McMaster squad back as Marauders reach Forsyth Finals 

Hamilton, ON- When the OUA playoffs comes around, it’s survive and move on season. That’s what McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball head coach Dave Preston calls it. The Marauders did just that, defeating the York Lions on Mar. 4 in three sets to advance to the Forsyth Cup finals.  The start of the game looked the opposite though as McMaster fell behind 5-0. Once it became 6-2, … Continue reading “You have complete trust in them”: Full McMaster squad back as Marauders reach Forsyth Finals 

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Volleyball

“Tu l’a”: McMaster’s Christine Hachokake reaches her Zen point

Toronto, ON- When Christine Hachokake is in a game, she tells herself two words in French: “Tu l’a”. You have it. It’s what her mom always tells her when she’s playing volleyball. The McMaster Marauders first-year middle tells herself that as well. It helps gives her confidence. When she tells herself You have it, it brings her to a Zen.  “It makes me think that I’m unstoppable,” Hachokake said. … Continue reading “Tu l’a”: McMaster’s Christine Hachokake reaches her Zen point

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Volleyball

McMaster Volleyball drops final games while managing rotation as playoffs loom 

Toronto, ON- Brendan Mills is in his second season with the McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team. He and the Marauders have had their share of highs. Winning the OUA title in 2021-22 for instance.  Now, Mills experienced first regular season loss. The McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team came into their final two games of the OUA regular season with an undefeated record but it wasn’t to … Continue reading McMaster Volleyball drops final games while managing rotation as playoffs loom 

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Volleyball

Paige Vrolyk’s energy shines through on Seniors Night 

Hamilton, ON- When her senior’s night moment finally came, Paige Vrolyk tried to soak it all in. The McMaster Marauders fourth-year middle was surrounded by friends and family. She was honoured pre-game with a framed photo, surrounded by her family and head coach Tim Louks before she started the game against RMC. She and her fellow seniors were then honoured in the locker room after the … Continue reading Paige Vrolyk’s energy shines through on Seniors Night 

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