LONDON, Ont. - A strong second half - characterized by a never-quit defensive effort and perseverance - allowed the Western Mustangs to enter the post-season with positive momentum despite losing 31-5 to the visiting McMaster Marauders on Friday.

The Mustangs (1-4) now prepare for their OUA quarter-final game on the road next Saturday Oct. 16 against the undefeated Guelph Gryphons (time TBA).

Laurie Biewald scored Western's only try in the second half after the Marauders put up 26 straight first-half points.

Rebecca Delaney had a strong two-way game, scoring 11 points on one try and three converts (including one from a difficult angle). Natasha Turner led the Marauders with three tries for 15 points, while Kirsten Shedden had one try.

Strong wing play and excellent second-effort pushes gave McMaster the advantage against the young Mustangs team which seemed caught off guard by two quick Marauders tries.

The Mustangs were like a different team in the second half, making two great stances from five yards outside their own try-line. They used the positive momentum gained on defence to score their only try.

Head coach Natascha Wesch said she was pleased with the improved effort in the second half and credited players Julia Goss, Rebecca LeFevre and Liz Wilson with strong games.

"Liz Wilson had great stuff today," Wesch said. "We were good, played decent defence in the second half and tied the second half 5-5. I was pleased with our play after the half."

Wesch said, however, she was concerned with a lack of a sense of confidence from her squad.

"There were times when we did not know when to step up. I guess it happens with 21 or so rookies. We needed a better sense of urgency early in the game," Wesch said. "There's no 'I can run you over' or 'I can beat you'."

While Western prepares for the undefeated Gryphons - Guelph beat Western 87-0 earlier in the year at Guelph - the Marauders will host an OUA quarter-final next weekend (opponent TBA).