“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

OUA West Men’s Basketball Preview: Crowded at the Top 

Hamilton, ON- Several different teams have taken turns winning the OUA West or making deep playoff runs. Last season, it was the Windsor Lancers with U SPORTS MOP Thomas Kennedy. Now, with Kennedy gone, is the conference race wide open again? Algoma Thunderbirds 2022-23 Record: 4-26 (3-19 in OUA regular season)  Preseason Record: 2-5 After Etienne Jacquet and Ryan Vetrie shared coaching duties last season, Vetrie … Continue reading OUA West Men’s Basketball Preview: Crowded at the Top 

OUA West Women’s Basketball Preview: The Race to the Top 

Hamilton, ON- With a new OUA basketball season upon us, it starts in the OUA West with the Windsor Lancers visiting the Western Mustangs on Halloween night. After a tight division race in 2022-23 – with the Waterloo Warriors winning it – the chase is on to see who can capture the division crown this season.  Algoma Thunderbirds 2022-23 Record: 0-29 (0-22 in OUA regular season)  … Continue reading OUA West Women’s Basketball Preview: The Race to the Top 

Elgersma the difference maker as Laurier take down Waterloo

Waterloo, ON – Taylor Elgersma had six total touchdowns in the Laurier Golden Hawks’ dominant 69-0 win over Waterloo in the OUA quarterfinals. The third-year quarterback was nearly perfect in the air, completing 20 of his 22 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns. Elgersma also punched in three rushing touchdowns on the afternoon. The 69-point performance was one of the most dominant in recent … Continue reading Elgersma the difference maker as Laurier take down Waterloo

Hat tricks, breakthroughs and new beginnings for McMaster Women’s Soccer

Hamilton, ON- Before games, Alena Spehar listens to music and doesn’t think about anything. It’s different than before. The fifth-year McMaster Marauders forward used to get in her own head before matches. She would imagine herself playing and that would stress her out.  Now, Spehar just focuses on having fun. Her and her teammates had much to celebrate about in the opening weekend of OUA women’s … Continue reading Hat tricks, breakthroughs and new beginnings for McMaster Women’s Soccer

“We might be stronger than ever”: McMaster Men’s Soccer begins new era and OUA title defence

Hamilton, ON- Just when it looked like it was over, there was one last chance. For 90 plus minutes on Sept. 3, the McMaster Marauders and Waterloo Warriors men’s soccer teams were in a deadlock. McMaster scored off an Amir Shirazi penalty. Waterloo answered with a goal by Kevin Espiro shortly afterwards.  The clock was now ticking past 90 minutes when the Marauders had one final … Continue reading “We might be stronger than ever”: McMaster Men’s Soccer begins new era and OUA title defence

Peter Rugosi and Marauders push through grind to keep winning

Hamilton, ON- It was their third game in six days for the McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team. This was following two five sets games against NCAA powerhouse Long Beach State.  Facing the Waterloo Warriors on Jan 18 in their first OUA home game of 2023, the Marauders were without outside hitters Sam Cooper and Maxime Gratton. The Warriors pushed them, keeping each set relatively close before … Continue reading Peter Rugosi and Marauders push through grind to keep winning