LONDON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs Men’s Volleyball team advanced to the Final Four championships, but fell to the eventual OUA champion, the Queen’s Gaels in the semi-finals in Hamilton, Ont. in a five set thriller (3-2).

The abrupt end to the Mustangs season came after a 15-5 regular season, which was good enough for third place in the OUA. The regular season was highlighted by an 11 game winning streak, which spanned from Nov. 6 until Jan. 30.

The Jan. 30 loss to the Guelph Gryphons also noted another season changing point for the Mustangs as star player Eric Simon (London, Ont.) went down with an ankle injury and wouldn’t return until the Final Four game against the Gaels.

Simon also made waves across the OUA as he brought home the highest individual honour winning the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Player of the year award. The fifth-year left side led all OUA student-athletes with 32 service aces, an average of 0.63 per set. Simon was among the league leaders in several other categories, including 166 kills, 23 blocks, 103 digs and 217.5 points. Simon also received mention as a first-team all-star.

Capping off a great rookie campaign, Phil James(Ottawa, Ont.) joined Simon on the podium bringing home the OUA Rookie of the year award. Playing middle, James earned 117 kills, 23 service aces, 31 blocks, 33 digs and 179 points. James also headlines the OUA all-rookie team.

Mathieu Poulin (Winnipeg) was another Mustang that received mention for his stellar play this year, getting a nod as a second-team all-star.

The Mustangs will return next season with a great core of their roster in tact. The only expected losses come in the form of the OUA’s best player, Eric Simon as well as Kyle Bryce(Guelph, Ont.). With a disappointing end to this season, the Mustangs will be looking to get over that hump and into the OUA Finals next year.