LONDON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs women’s volleyball team had reason to celebrate tonight as they defeated Waterloo 3-1 in a tightly contested match up.

Western took the first two sets 25-20 and 25-11 before dropping the third set though 28-30 to Waterloo. Western won the fourth set 25-18.

The first set saw Sarah Johnston and Jenna Thomson put up huge blocks.  In addition, Elaine Screaton and Rebecca Oxland each had three kills. This carried the momentum right to the second technical timeout when Western led 16-10. There was not much else Waterloo could do to put up points and Western took the first set 25-20.

In the second set, the veterans once again showed why they have been a part of the team for so long. Thomson and Johnston each had another two solo blocks while Screaton held up the defense with five digs. Oxland had an eight serve streak widening the gap between the two teams to 16-6 for Western. Western only allowed Waterloo 11 points in the second set.

The third set was very evenly matched. Great offense from second-years Stephanie Kreuter and Maria Krahn helped Western take the lead 20-13 before Waterloo caught up with Western at 23. Both teams went point for point in thrilling rallies until Waterloo capitalized on a Western error and took the set 28-30. This would be the first set that Western has dropped since playing McMaster on Jan. 15. 

“It took a lot for Waterloo to come back like they did,” said coach Dave Edwards. “I give them credit. We made a few executions errors and they were able to use that to their advantage.”

In what turned out to be the final set of the night, the Mustangs returned to fine form and easily finished the set 25-18, defeating Waterloo 3-1. Screaton had yet five more digs and Johnston another two blocks.

It was also Senior Night at Alumni Hall and prior to game time, the Mustangs honoured graduating athletes Thomson, Johnston and Screaton. The four and five-year veterans of the Mustangs were highly spoken of by Coach Dave Edwards. “It was nice to be able to have the seniors out and get the recognition from the fans.” Each had their families in attendance as well. 

Players of the game were Western’s Thomson with 17 digs and two blocks and Sarah Glassford for the Warriors.

The Western Mustangs improve to 14-3 on the season with the win. They will take their last regular season road trip to Brock on Feb. 12 and Toronto on Feb. 13.