Coming off a successful debut weekend that saw the Mustangs hit a level of play that mirrored their 2014 post-season upsets, Western appears to be in the beginning stages of another impressive season. The next step on the road to provincials: taking down the Guelph Gryphons on October 30.

While it's still early in the season, Western has already made early appearances on both the OUA and CIS leaderboard. Katherine Tsiofas - recording five aces in the Mustangs debut – sits at number one nationally with an average of 1.25 services aces per set while also hitting number one provincially and fifth nationally for assists per set (10.25).

Tsiofas also led the team in the backcourt, with a game topping 12 digs.

The only other individual to make it on either board is current purple and white point leader Aja Gyimah. With an average of 3.75 kills per set, the Scarborough native sits third in Ontario and ninth nationally.

The season opening four set victory against Windsor saw improved serving from the purple and white end of the court – with 12 service aces on the night – and greater consistency than seen in 2014.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the floor, Guelph heads into the match with a split 1-1 record and a history of defeating the Mustangs in additional sets.

Last season's matchups saw the Gryphons come away with 2-3 (20-25, 21-25, 23-25, 26-24, 8-15) and 1-3 (28-26, 16-25, 19-25, 20-25) wins. With the red and gold starting line retaining their libero, setter, top blocker and strongest attackers, Guelph can be expected to make the Mustangs earn every point.

The 2015 corps has already proven that they're a tough group to take down as they upset the #5 McMaster Marauders in five sets (22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 21-25, 16-14) after falling to defending OUA champions Varsity Blues the previous night.

Statistically the Gryphons appear to be strong in all positions.

Keeping the Guelph defense strong is Kristen Almhjell. With 33 digs the libero secured the second spot on the OUA leaderboard for total digs while holding down sixth place in digs per set with 4.25. Her performance has also been integral in helping the Gryphons make a name for themselves on the OUA Team board, leading the province in digs and coming up in fourth place nationally.

At the net, Nicole Collard and Jessica Gromley dominate, taking up two positions in a three way tie on the total blocks board. Each recording eight, the duo shares second place within the OUA, while point leader Becky Breau holds down sixth place provincially in total kills (17).

Also appearing on the OUA boards is third year setter Catherine Wilson, who takes third place for total assists (51).

With a home court advantage, the Gryphons can be expected to put up some tough competition for the purple and white.

Game time at the W.F. Mitchell Centre is expected to begin at 6pm, with the match available for fans to live stream at OUA.tv.