LONDON, Ont. – Matteke Hutzler’s (Napanee, Ont.) offensive and defensive play led Western Mustang women’s basketball team to a 89-39 victory over the injury-riddled McMaster Marauders on Jan. 8 at Alumni Hall.

The Mustangs dominated in the first quarter, forcing McMaster to seven turnovers. Western had 25 first quarter points, holding the Marauders to a mere 14 points.

In the second frame, the Mustangs continued the dominance, led by Hutzler with 13 points and six total rebounds. Western defensive pressure proved too strong for the Mauraders causing 17 turnovers in the first half as the offensive exploded, giving the Mustangs a 47-18 advantage heading into the third.

Jenny Vaughan’s (Dundas, Ont.) 12 third-quarter points contributed to Western’s offensive excellence, whereas Hutzler had a strong presence with key offensive and defensive rebounds. The Mustangs outscored the McMaster 22-8 in the third, taking a 69-26 lead.

Western finished the game strong, as the fourth quarter saw the Mustang once again outscore the Mauraders 20-13, contributing to their 89-39 victory. Western had a 54.4 shooting percentage, where as McMaster finished with a 30.4 percentage.

Stephan Barrie, head coach the Mustangs, credited Hutzler’s strong presence as a key in leading the Mustangs to victory.

“Hutzler caused pressure being at the front of our press. She sparked the game,” said Barrie.

With this win, the Mustangs improve their record to 9-1. Despite the dominating victory, Stephan Barrie, head coach of the Mustangs, thinks Western still has room to grow and improve.

“We are a young team and regardless of where we are in the standing, OUA or CIS, we have to keep getting better. We have a lot of room to grow still. It’s about getting better whether your in first or not,” said Barrie.

The Mustangs will look for their tenth win of the season on Jan. 12 as they travel to Brock University to take on the Badgers at 6 p.m.