Box Score LONDON, Ont. - The Western Mustangs women’s volleyball team carried on their pre-season success into the OUA regular season this afternoon taking the Brock Badgers 3-1. The Mustangs dominated the court at Alumni Hall and plan to do the same tomorrow when they play the Ottawa Gee Gees at 1:00 p.m.
 
Captain Rebecca Oxland led the Mustangs with 18 kills on 37 attempts and 21 points in a four set match, followed closely by right side attacker Stephanie Kreuter who managed 12 kills on only 23 attempts while committing only one error.
 
Serena Smith showed persistence with eight kills on 22 attempts and rookie Candace Scott was an asset to the team today with a kill percentage of 83.3%.
 
Set scores were 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11.
 
“I am always quietly optimistic,” said Head Coach Dave Edwards. “I am very pleased with the way we played, we had some great blocking. It’s always nice to start off a season with a win. Ottawa will be a formidable component tomorrow but hopefully we can continue this streak into tomorrow.”
 
The Mustangs came on to the court with determination in their eyes. Right off the get go the Mustangs commanded the court and took the initial game points. Oxland lead the team and blocked anything in her path. Libero Stephanie Kantzos was on fire sliding, diving, and letting nothing get in her way of reaching the ball allowing the Mustangs to lead 16-11. The Mustangs kept a strong lead throughout the match. Middle Danielle Marshall blocked Brock’s attempt winning the first set 25-15.
 
Entering the second set with confidence, Western took the Badgers by storm winning 25-17. Oxland resisted Brock’s attempts at scoring allowing the Mustangs to lead 6-0. Western continued to lead the match 16-7. The Mustangs’ team dynamics showed on the court today. Scott caught Brock off guard with her spot on tips. The Mustangs called a time out with a lead of 19-12. Brock scored some of their last points bringing the game to 22-15. Brock started to challenge the Mustangs rallying for points. Brock earned their final two points before Marshall smashed the ball winning the match.
 
Number 16, Shenise Power led Brock with nine kills on 17 attempts. Brock pushed harder this set making the match point-for-point. Western fell behind on Brock’s match point 19-24. The Mutangs scared the Badgers immediately earning three more points, but fell short losing the set to the Brock Badgers 25-22.
 
One loss was enough for the Mustangs as they made sure the fourth set was their last. Coming back with confidence the Mustangs quickly led with a score of 8-3. Brock tried to catch up but Western climbed to 16-7. Kreuter came in with a huge kill bringing the Mustangs up to 23-11. The Mustangs quickly took the match from here with a final block from Scott, taking the Badgers 25-11.
 
Oxland said she is excited to have started off the season with a win and can’t wait to play Ottawa tomorrow.
 
Western plays the Ottawa Gee-Gees – a 2012 playoff contender – this Sunday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Alumni Hall.