KINGSTON, Ont. – After five exhaustive sets, the Mustangs took a 2-3 loss to the Queen's Gaels on October 25 at the ARC Main Gym.

With the loss, the Mustangs stand at 1-2 on the season, while the Gaels hold a 2-0 record.
 
Queen's took an early lead in the first set, capitalizing on unforced errors committed by the Mustangs. With 11 kills, the Gaels pushed through the blocks put up and hit strategically into defensive holes to take the set 19-25.
 
The Mustangs came back onto the court for the second set revitalized and unwilling to drop another set. After taking a small lead, the Mustangs struggled to pull away from the Gaels as the teams traded points for much of the game. Focusing more on offensive play, the Mustangs 16 kills and reduced attack errors helped them pull away to win the set 25-23.
 
Quickly taking the lead, the Mustangs began the third set on a high note. Queen's, adjusting to the purple and white attacks, eclipsed the Mustangs to take the lead for themselves early on in the set. After the Gaels extended the deficit to a five point difference, the Mustangs battled back to close the gap 13-14. After trading points and benefitting from unforced errors from the Gaels, the Mustangs tied up the set at 20-20. Queen's focused on serving accuracy and strong blocks to end the set 21-25.
 
Entering into the fourth set, the Mustangs took an early two point lead, which soon extended to four points. Western maintained a strong lead and navigated through the blocks to record 16 kills with minimal errors to finish 25-15 and force a fifth and final set.
 
Looking to finish the set quickly, Queen's took an early lead after unforced errors by the Mustangs. Fighting back, the Mustangs returned from a five point deficit to bring the score to 9-12, causing the Gaels to call a time out.  Coming back on the court, the Mustangs were unable to close the point gap and allowed Queen's to take the final set 12-15.
 
First-year student Kelsey Veltman was the high scorer of the night, earning 20.5 points for the Mustangs, while also leading in blocks. Rookie libero Courtney Sestric topped the score sheet with 28 digs, while Taylor Beedie recorded 18 kills and 19 total points.
 
Shannon Neville was the Gaels' highest point scorer of the night, with a total of 18 points.
 
The Mustangs take the court next against Waterloo on October 31 at Alumni Hall. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.