KINGSTON, Ont. – After five sets of rigorous and closely matched play, the Western Mustangs women's volleyball team came back from a two set deficit to secure their first win of the season over the RMC Paladins on Friday night at the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre.
 
With the win, the Mustangs hold a 1-1 season record, with the Paladins at 0-2.
 
Taking an early lead, the Paladins used relentless defence and carefully placed offensive shots, resulting in 16 kills, to secure the first set after lengthy rallies, ending with a 25-22 score in favour of the home team.
 
Riding the momentum from the first set, RMC continued to exploit Mustang errors while avoiding unforced errors of their own. Using serving accuracy and tight defensive play, the Paladins again secured the second set by a close 25-23 score.
 
Fighting to continue the match, the Mustangs came out in full force during the third set. Battling against tough attacks, Western focused on offensive play to pull ahead. With 14 kills in the frame, the Mustangs won the set 25-23.
 
The Mustangs began the fourth set refreshed and with momentum on their side. Adjusting to the Paladins play and playing with increased accuracy, the Mustangs took another close set, winning 25-23 to send the match to a fifth set.
 
Headed into the decisive fifth set, the Mustangs focused on defence and serving consistency to bring the final score to 15-10. Unwilling to allow defeat, Western pushed through the RMC blocks and quickly responded to the frequent attacks to complete the comeback and close out the set with a win.
 
Third year RMC student Nicole Behnke was the high scorer of the match, securing 24.5 points from 23 kills, one solo block and one assisted block. Delanie Chang followed closely with 23 points from 19 kills and four service aces.
 
Rookie Kelsey Veltman topped the Mustang score sheet with 15 points, from ten kills, four solo blocks, and one service ace, with veteran Serena Smith recording 14 points from 13 kills and one service ace. Meanwhile, first year libero Courtney Sestric recorded 29 digs throughout the match to lead the purple and white defence.
 
The Mustangs return to the court on Saturday, October 25, as they take on the Queen's Gaels at 6 p.m. in Kingston.