LONDON ONT- The Western Mustangs ensure their spot as first overall in OUA by beating the Ryerson Rams in three sets on Jan. 23 in Alumni Hall.

The first set proved to be an easy victory for the Mustangs with a 25-14 win. The second set was a back and forth battle for the win. A combination of Mathieu Poulin (Winnepeg) offensive and defensive excellence and Phil James (Ottawa) set winning block allowed the Mustangs to win 25-24 and advance with a  2-0 advantage. The third set proved to be a challenge for the Mustangs as they trailed most of the set, coming back to clench the set 26-24.

After a close game, James credits the Mustang victory to the teams’ relentlessness on the court.
“We were fighting all the way through despite our mistakes their was a drive to win,” James said. 

As for head coach Jim Sage, he recognized the composure of the team while battling for the win as a main factor in claiming this victory.  

“Being down and not panicking; knowing we still have a shot to battle back,” Sage said.

Player of the game, Poulin led the victorous team with 14 points and 13 kills.

To ensure that this winning streak continues, Poulin said “the team just has to keep improving and has to continue not being complacent.”

The Mustangs look to extend their winning streak to 10 games on Jan. 24 when they host York at 3 p.m. at Alumni Hall.