“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 

“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

“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

“It felt real then”: Pietra Kamstra celebrates McMaster career on emotional seniors night 

Hamilton, ON- When the starting lineups were announced, Pietra Kamstra heard her name called for the first time in her McMaster Marauders career.  It was the fourth-year forward’s final regular season game. It was seniors night. The game itself concluded with a 94-73 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Feb. 18. The ceremonies before and afterwards though… “It’s been a pretty special day,” Marauders head … Continue reading “It felt real then”: Pietra Kamstra celebrates McMaster career on emotional seniors night 

“It’s been a great journey”: McMaster’s Fifth-Years leave their mark and enjoy Seniors Night together 

Hamilton, ON- The game was over and the victory in hand. However, for McMaster men’s basketball seniors Sefa Otchere, Brandon Bernard and Tristan Lindo, their seniors’ night wasn’t quite over yet.  The three of them were surrounded by friends and family – with teammates as well. They were taking pictures with and without their framed McMaster jerseys, including one giant group photo. Perhaps they were soaking … Continue reading “It’s been a great journey”: McMaster’s Fifth-Years leave their mark and enjoy Seniors Night together 

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 

Crowded at the Top: OUA Men’s Basketball Mid-Season Takeaways ahead of second half

Hamilton, ON- The U SPORTS rankings can provide interest and intrigue. This year’s rankings for teams from the OUA men’s basketball conference certainly has. The latest one before the holiday break saw the defending national champion Carleton Ravens remain number one while their cross-town rivals Ottawa Gee-Gees sit second.  Brock (fourth), Queen’s (fifth) and Lakehead (ninth) make it five OUA teams in the U SPORTS … Continue reading Crowded at the Top: OUA Men’s Basketball Mid-Season Takeaways ahead of second half

Examining the squads in the OUA Central Division  

Hamilton, ON- As the OUA moves back into three divisions (from two last year), the OUA Central figures to be one of the most stacked.  You have defending OUA and U SPORTS champion TMU, OUA runner up Brock and several contenders nipping at their heels. The division could also be quite open given some of the roster turnover and the preseason results.  Lakehead Thunderwolves  Preseason … Continue reading Examining the squads in the OUA Central Division