Box Score GUELPH, Ont.- The Western Mustangs women’s volleyball team concluded their 2012-2013 OUA regular season this afternoon with a final test against the Guelph Gryphons at the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre. Despite a big win yesterday against the Waterloo Warriors, Western could not top ninth place Guelph and fell 3-2 in five close sets.
 
The Mustangs finish the regular season with a 9-9 record.
 
Set scores were 25-23, 13-25, 25-22, 18-25, 13-15
 
Leading the Mustangs was captain Rebecca Oxland with a game high 20 points, with 17 kills and 12 digs. Libero Stephanie Kantzos contributed 20 digs.
 
Coming off of a win yesterday, the Mustangs took to the court with confidence. The Mustangs played hard the first set until the very end, and managed to top the Gryphons 25-23 in the close first set battle.
 
With one set under their belt, the Mustangs were off to a good start, but lost momentum along the way as they fell far behind the hosts in the second set. Guelph took command of their court, trumping Western 25-13 to even the match at 1-1.
 
Tied with one set apiece, the Mustangs were determined to gain back the lead. After solid hitting and strong defense, the Mustangs came back to win the set 25-22 and once again take a one set lead.
 
The game seemed to be going back and forth as each team would control the play of alternating sets. And the pattern continued in the fourth set, as the Mustangs struggled and the Gryphons took advantage. Guelph managed to pull away 25-18 to take the set and push the match into a fifth and deciding set.
 
The final set was close as both teams rallied for the victory. The Mustangs kept the game close, but were unable to gain the points when they needed them most. Guelph went on to win the set 15-13 and secure the 3-2 victory.
 
Leading the Guelph Gryphons was Julie Gordon with 15 kills on 26 attempts and 16.5 points.
 
Next up for the Mustangs will be the OUA quarterfinals. The match-ups have yet to be announced, but check www.westernmustangs.ca for details.