LONDON, Ont. - It took a gutcheck in the second half, and some significant grit from a pair of fifth-year seniors, but the Western Mustangs earned a 75-63 win over the Laurentian Voyageurs at Alumni Hall Nov. 6 in the season opener for both squads. (HTML STATS)

Western (1-0) hosts York at 1 p.m. at Alumni Hall on Nov. 7 before going on the road to the nation's capital to face Ottawa, Nov. 13, and Carleton Nov. 15. Laurentian (0-1) will travel to play at Windsor Nov. 7.

Senior Amanda Anderson (Chatham, Ont.) played a strong game, despite a poor shooting percentage, creating timely steals and making good defensive stops for the host squad. She added five assists, eight rebounds and nine points.

The other fifth-year senior, Lauren Parkes (London, Ont.) led the Mustangs with 22 points and added seven rebounds along with four steals and a pair of blocks.

"Our senior leadership stepped up for us late. Lauren Parkes and Amanda Anderson showed what fifth-year experience can give to your team," Barrie said.

Rebecca Moss (Waterloo, Ont.) chipped in a strong performance, with 16 points and seven rebounds. Laurentian had four starters in double-digit scoring, led by Katie Goggins' team highs with 14 points, four steals and four assists. Darrah Bumstead added 14 rebounds and seven points.

The Mustangs looked solid early, shooting 56% from the field to lead 25-13 after the first quarter.

Despite cold outside shooting from starting guards Anderson and Moulden, the Mustangs led 45-31 at the half. 

It was team defence that was impressive early for Western. Laurentian had 11 turnovers - three caused by Anderson steals - and Western controlled the boards, creating second-chance opportunities for the host squad.

The Mustangs finished with 11 steals, two blocks and made the Lady Vees pay for their 24 turnovers.
It was Western which looked sloppy at times, coming out flat to open the second half. Laurentian pulled with in seven points twice and six once.

Three minutes into the third quarter, Western missed shots while the the Lady Vees showed promise in a simplified half-court strategy. The Lady Vees forced Western bench-boss Stephan Barrie to call a timeout to settle the team down. Laurentian had enjoyed a 9-2 run. 

"Sometimes you do not call a time out except to refocus. We didn't talk a whole lot about strategy," Barrie said. "We talked more about the will to defend which was absent."

Melissa Rondinelli (Sarnia, Ont.) scored to give Western renewed energy. Then freshman Beckie Williams(London, Ont.) hit a long two-pointer to restore a 10-point lead.

But almost like a pest, Laurentian clawed back to within seven again, refusing to go away.

Stephanie Lundstrom (Peterborough, Ont.) drained a clutch three to close out the third quarter, and Western led 56-46.

In the fourth, Western staved off several comeback attempts from the Lady Vees. The first came when Laurentian's Lyndi Meloche hit a three off an Anderson turnover in the offensive end to make it a six-point game 58-52,

But Anderson and Parkes pulled together to play a solid closing five minutes. Parkes extended the lead to 62-54 on a nice exchange on a screen off Willliams with 4:40 left.

Parkes was 7 for 12 from the field and 8 for 12 from the charity stripe.

The new-look Mustangs played solid at times and showed great promise. If they can play with consistency, Barrie said he believes this is a top team.

"I was happy with some things. We executed our game plan and shot the ball well early," Barrie said.