Warriors return to OUA Final, U SPORTS Championship with sweep of Gryphons

Jonah Tuck - McMaster Athletics

HAMILTON, Ont. -- The Waterloo Warriors made quick work of the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA Final Four on Friday night at Burridge Gym, advancing to the OUA Final on Saturday. 

Despite losing all three sets, the Gryphons fought their way back in each set, refusing to lose without a fight. 

Cok led the way for the Warriors with 16 points in the win, while Jordan McConkey reached double digits with 11. Zachary Newman had a solid outing for the Gryphons in the loss with 10.5 points. 

The Warriors advanced to the OUA final Saturday, and will face the host Marauders at 8:00 p.m. With their victory Friday, Waterloo sealed a berth to the U SPORTS Championships, booking their third consecutive trip to the national event. 

Waterloo is the only team to take McMaster to five sets in their undefeated season. 

Guelph, meanwhile, will play in Saturday's bronze medal match against the Ryerson Rams, which will open the night at 5:30 p.m. 

Friday's first set went back and forth with neither team able to gain an edge. Edging proceedings late, Waterloo took the set 25-22 after an ace by Braden Cok clipped the net and Guelph couldn't respond in time. 

It looked like the Warriors had the second set locked up after leading 23-19, but the Gryphons pushed back, tying it up at 23 apiece. However, it wasn't quite enough as Waterloo took the set 26-24 after a combo block from the duo of middle Matt Mawdsley and Cok. 

Guelph made some adjustments in the third set and led 15-13, but Waterloo made a late push to retake the lead and book their spot in Saturday's final with a 25-21 set win.