Box Score LONDON, Ont.- Coming off of a victory last weekend against the Windsor Lancers, the Western Mustangs men’s volleyball team stepped back onto the court this afternoon to challenge the Queen’s Gaels who sit just under the third place Mustangs in the OUA standings.
 
However, after the Mustangs 3-0 victory against the Gaels, the will continue to trail in the standings, while the Mustangs improve their record to 9-2.
 
The set scores were 25-15, 25-16, 25-18
 
After the game, Mustangs head coach Jim Sage said he was surprised how quickly the game went.
 
“I expected a little bit more battle from them. It’s a big rivalry that my guys get up for,” he said. “I think it was our most complete match of the year. I think that we are starting to put things together—it’s a good time, and things are rolling well.
 
“Jack Creaghan came in [...] he was an irregular starter and I think he did a great job,” he continued.
 
Leading the Mustangs was Garrett May with a game high of 15 points with 15 kills on 21 attempts. Fourth-year Alan Screaton followed behind with eight points and eight digs.
 
The game started well for the Mustangs who earned the first point, followed by another eight to take a commanding lead. Left side May found his stride early, and the Queen’s defense was unable to respond, allowing the Mustangs to surge to a quick 16-6 lead by the technical time out.
 
Although the Gaels managed to score four points, the Mustangs quickly found their game once again. Hustling around the court was setter Sean McKay who was saving the ball at all costs. And it proved to be valuable as his team hung on for the 25-15 set win.
 
The second set began as a point for point affair with neither team able to gain the momentum. But before long Western once again found their rhythm, forcing Queen’s to call a timeout.
 
Maintaining their lead, Western fought for every point to keep an edge on Queen’s. Strong blocking from middle Phil James helped Western gain a strong six-point lead. The Mustangs controlled the remainder of the set and it ended 25-16 in their favour.
 
Looking for the sweep, the Mustangs once again got off to a strong start in the third set. Thanks to powerful hitting from middle Creaghan, the Mustangs continued to lead the Gaels. The white and purple maintained consistency throughout the set and Queen’s could not overcome Creaghan’s blocking. The Mustangs took the third set 25-18.
 
Leading the Gaels was Mike Tomlinson with a team high of 6.5 points, followed by Ivo Dramov who earned 10 digs.
 
The Mustangs return to home court tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. when they take on the Royal Military College Paladins.