Western continued to dominate the OUA last week, returning from the break to post a quick three set sweep of the Waterloo Warriors. The Mustangs' 8-2 record puts them behind only McMaster in the OUA West and ties them for third across the entire OUA.

Last week's win saw the Mustangs capitalize on technically clean play, forgoing the unforced errors that had previously cost them a number of points. It also saw the continued domination of Aja Gymiah and Kelsey Veltman at the net.

Gyimah leads the team in both kills and points, averaging 3.25 kills and 4.1 points per set. Despite standing at only 5-9, the Leaside Volleyball alumnus has one of the largest blocking presences at the net. She leads the OUA with 32 assisted blocks on the books.

Often the one to close Gyimah's block, 6-2 Veltman is one of the OUA's most intimidating athletes. Behind only Gyimah in assisted blocks, she also sits second in the OUA and third in the CIS for total blocks per set (1.33). Offensively, she's one of setter Katherine Tsiofas's greatest weapons with a .423 hitting percent that ranks second both provincially and nationally.

Western at Lakehead – Friday, January 22 at 7 p.m. - Watch live on OUA.tv
Western at Lakehead – Saturday, January 23 at 7 p.m.

This weekend, the duo can be expected to target Kailan Robinson and Leah Mousseau – Lakehead's point leaders. Robinson, now in her second year, leads the team with 87 kills and 109.5 points. However, she's struggled when taking the first or second touch, sitting second in the OUA for ball handling errors. 

Mousseau, while recording smaller numbers at 71 kills and 71.5 total points, has seen a recent increase in her lethality at the net over the past few games. After recording around three kills a game through November and December, the left side picked it up in the New Year for 14 kills against Queen's and 18 against RMC.

Supplying the base pass for the leading Lakehead attackers is libero Alyssa Genereux. With the third highest number of digs in the OUA (133), Mustang servers and attackers can be expected to try and avoid Genereux at all costs.

At present Lakehead's greatest weakness seems to be themselves. The Thunderwolves are currently second in the OUA for attack errors and first in ball handling errors, meaning the technically solid Mustangs can be expected to pick up a series of unearned points.

Despite sitting fifth in OUA West with a 5-7 record, the Thunderwolves should not be underestimated. The final set of each match tends to see the most competitive performance from Lakehead as they begin to warm up on the floor, and they often end the last set behind by only a few points. Additionally, with the top women's volleyball attendance in the OUA, the Thunderwolves will likely have a roaring and supportive home-court crowd on their side.