TORONTO – The Mustangs picked up speed throughout their contest with the CIS No. 2 Varsity Blues, but were unable to come out on top, losing in three sets (14-25, 20-25, 24-26) on Friday night.
 
The loss ends the purple and white's winning streak at 11 games, and gives Western a 15-3 record heading into their final game. Tomorrow's results will determine the playoff seeding for the Mustangs as they're now tied with McMaster for first place in the West division.
 
Toronto, on the other hand, continue their perfect season at 18-0 and retain their firm grasp on first place in the East.
 
Kelsey Veltman topped the scoresheet, recording 12 points from six kills and six solo blocks, while veteran Serena Smith's nine kills led the offence. Defensively second-year libero Courtney Sestic and Aja Gyimah kept the Mustangs competitive by recording 15 and 13 digs, respectively. 
 
Fourth-year left side Caleigh Cruickshank was the dominating offensive force for the Varsity Blues with 15 points recorded. Rookie Alina Dormann came in just behind with 12 points, while Tessa Davis' 11.5 points secure her place as the third Varsity Blue to pull in double digits.
 
It was undoubtedly a slow start for Western, especially compared to the later set scores. The first ended as a 14-25 loss, and the Varsity Blues followed up in the second set to hand the Mustangs a 20-25 loss. It wasn't until the third set that Western began to challenge the reigning OUA champs to force the set into additional points. Narrowly missing the mark, the final set ended at 24-26.
 
Western returns to the floor tomorrow for the final matchup of the regular season. Squaring off against the Ryerson Rams at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Saturday's outcomes across the league could give Western sole possession of first place in the West. The first serve is expected to be sent out at 6 p.m., with live streaming available at OUA.tv.