Tag: volleyball

Volleyball

“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

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Volleyball

“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

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Volleyball

“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

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Volleyball

“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? 

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Volleyball

“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 

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Volleyball

“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

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Volleyball

“Be Joyful Competitors”: McMaster finding its depth, chemistry and flow state in Thanksgiving Classic 

Hamilton, ON- During her first home preseason game, Sullie Sundara felt the joy. She described it as being in a flow state. The McMaster Marauders women’s volleyball team had just defeated over the defending U SPORTS silver medalists Trinity Western Spartans three sets to none.  The third-year outside hitter and OUA All-Star found herself with that odd feeling. She doesn’t think too much, with things coming … Continue reading “Be Joyful Competitors”: McMaster finding its depth, chemistry and flow state in Thanksgiving Classic 

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Volleyball

McMaster Men’s Volleyball begins a new and fast era with same goals

Hamilton, ON- His first couple of weeks on the job were a whirlwind. Brad Douwes remembers being overwhelmed early on after he started his new role as head coach for the McMaster men’s volleyball team. Douwes was replacing long-time head coach Dave Preston (now coaching the Australian men’s national team).  A Hamilton native, Douwes had played at Redeemer College. He coached both the men’s and women’s … Continue reading McMaster Men’s Volleyball begins a new and fast era with same goals

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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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