Women break even

John Bauer

Silhouette Staff

After a month-long break, the Marauders women's volleyball team proved to still be in mid-season form after a 1-1 weekend. They started the weekend in the friendly confines of Burridge gym with a 25-22, 25-15, 25-19 drubbing of the Toronto Varsity Blues, before dropping a five set nail-biter against Ryerson.

Friday's game against the Varsity Blues was McMaster's first OUA game action since Nov. 24. The game was won on dominant service and balanced play, with five of the team's eight players picking up at least one service ace.

Kierstyn Bakker led the offense along with Shannon McRobert with nine kills apiece, while Taylor Brisebois, who chipped in five block solos, led the blocking. The overall point leaders were Bakker with 12 and Brisebois and McRobert with 11.5 each. Solid, steady defensive play was evident as no Toronto player broke the en-point barrier.

Saturday's marathon against the nemesis Ryerson Rams was the women's closest game since their October five-set thriller in Guelph. With more than 200 serves, 120 digs, and 90 kills between the teams throughout the game, some sparkling individual performance could be suspected.

The Marauders provided, as Taylor Brisebois picked up 17 points and 11 kills, Kierstyn Bakker contributed four aces, 10 kills, and 14 points, and Shannon McRobert pitched in nine kills and 15 points.

Up next for McMaster is the long bus ride to the nation's capital for a 2 p.m. Saturday game against the Gee-Gees, owners of a league best 12-1 record. The Marauders go into that game in a dogfight to hold down a playoff spot with six games remaining.