QUEBEC CITY, Quebec – The Western Mustangs men’s volleyball team travelled to Quebec City for the CIS men’s volleyball championships this weekend. The team earned their spot in the national championships after earning a silver medal in the OUA Final Four, losing to McMaster 3-1. Université Laval hosted the Mustangs this afternoon as they challenged Trinity Western Spartans, the two-time reigning champions from British Columbia in an extremely competitive match. The Mustangs had an outstanding performance and completed the upset victory on the court today as they trumped the number two seed Spartans 3-2.
 
Set scores were 26-28, 23-25, 31-29, 27-25, 15-9.
 
Leading the Western Mustangs was Justin Scapinello with a game high 29 points with 26 kills and 13 digs.
 
The Western Mustangs stepped onto the court this afternoon determined to reverse the fate of their devastating loss to the McMaster Marauders last weekend. From the opening point the Mustangs took command of the court, gaining an early lead over the Spartans. Eventually Trinity Western was able to even the set, turning it into a point for point affair. The Mustangs were able to take the lead going into the technical timeout. At this point in the set, Western commanded the floor, winning the race to set point with a five-point lead. However, Trinity Western managed to break Western’s flow, catching up to them, bringing the set once again to a point for point affair. White and purple put up a good fight, but could not overcome their opponents, falling 28-26.
 
Down by one set, the Mustangs tried to power past the Spartans in the second. Trinity Western gained an early lead, quickly doubling Western’s count. The Spartans maintained their lead, holding the set in their favour up to the technical timeout. The break of the set gave the Mustangs some energy as they made a comeback to tie the set. The set took a turn, becoming extremely competitive with each team fighting for every point. Trinity Western won the race to set point, and although Western came close, they could not top the Spartans falling for the second time 25-23
 
Now down by two sets to the heavy favourites, the Mustangs needed to make their move now if they had any chance of a comeback.  Fortunately, the Mustangs were singing a different tune this set, edging the Spartans and taking command of the court to lead at the technical timeout. Keeping their lead, the Mustangs held their heads high, fighting off attempts from the Spartans to fight back. However, much like the other sets, eventually Trinity Western was able to catch up turing the set into another close affair. The Mustangs won the race to set point for the second time, but their victory was put on hold when the Spartans tied the set 24-24. Exchanging the lead several times, both teams rallied until the Mustangs took the set in an impressive 31-29 win.
 
The Trinity Western Spartans earned the first point of the set, but that meant nothing as the Western Mustangs quickly took a strong five-point lead. Keeping a strong lead, the Mustangs took command of the court. The Spartans snuck up behind the Mustangs to tie the game 13-13, but lost their grip as Western took the lead, edging Trinity Western at the technical timeout to edge the Spartans 21-19. Eventually, Western won yet another race to set point, and took the fourth set 27-25.
 
Tied 2-2, the Mustangs and the Spartans took to the court for the fifth and final set of the competitive match. Once again the set remained close with both teams eager to earn the hard fought win. Western was able to push past Trinity Western and earn a six-point lead over the Spartans. Maintaining their edge, Western took the fifth set 15-9, earning them their first victory at this year’s national championship and a ticket to the semifinals.
 
Leading the Trinity Western Spartans was Lucas Van berkel with 19 kills and a team high of 21 points.
 
With the win, the Mustangs advance to the semifinals against the McMaster Marauders, who defeated the University of New Brunswick to earn their spot in the semis. This marks the first time since 1991 that two teams from the OUA reached the semifinal. Additionally, with both teams from the OUA advancing and facing off against each other, this will be the first time since 1991 that an Ontario team will play in the national final.  
 
The Mustangs will take on the McMaster Marauders on Saturday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m.