The past weekend saw the Mustangs return to Alumni Hall and post back-to-back four-set victories over the Guelph Gryphons and the McMaster Marauders, who sat at number six in the CIS Top 10 heading into the weekend.

The wins improve Western's record to 12-2, matching McMaster's record for first place in OUA West. At present, the only team in the entire OUA with a more impressive record is the 14-0 Varsity Blues.

Coming out of the weekend, Mustang power continues to be concentrated in the middle. As the OUA's top blocking team, Western relies on Kelsey Veltman and Danielle Grasman to anchor the effort.

Taylor Beedie, a second-year outside, also emerged as a player to watch. While in the back she was one of the most consistent passers on the floor, while she was able to show off a powerful swing as she rotated into the front to become one of the most lethal attackers in the fight against McMaster.

However, the weakest part of Western's game continues to be serve reception. Allowing 13 aces across both games and holding a season total of 102 reception errors, the Mustangs struggle to avoid giving away points.

With only five regular season games remaining, the Mustangs have moved into a prime position for the playoffs and are on the hunt for their ninth and tenth consecutive wins. 

Western vs York – Saturday, February 6 at 12 p.m. - Watch live on OUA.tv

The first team in the way of a purple and white ten-game streak are the 5-9 York Lions. Despite sitting only fifth in the East, the Lions may have a few tricks up their sleeve to help them stay competitive with the thriving Mustangs.

Sitting third in the OUA for total attacks, York has a relentless offense bolstered by a number of impressive back court performances to keep the rally going. Rookie outside hitter Sarah Williams has proven to be key in both efforts, leading the team in both digs and kills.

Sophomore and fellow outside hitter Celeste Witzell is the other greatest threat at the net, matching Williams' 2.5 points per set with a slightly lower total of 127.

For the Mustangs, the tight defense and high digs per set numbers may mean that they see less efficiency on their own attack. It also suggests that York may be better prepared than other teams this season to dig up a ball coming down from a purple and white block. 

Western vs Nipissing – Sunday, February 7 at 1 p.m. - Watch live on OUA.tv

Holding the inverse of Western's record at 2-12, the Nipissing Lakers have only found success against Brock and RMC this season to sit sixth in OUA West.

The Lakers have struggled to put points up on the board all season long, with point leaders Erika Lapierre and Tracy Hammerton only averaging 2.8 and 2.7 points per set for respective totals of 133 and 127.5. To put that in perspective, Western's top point earners are Aja Gyimah and Veltman. Gyimah has 194.5 points to her name to average 3.7 per set, while Veltman totals 178.5 for 4.3 per set.

Outgunned at the net, the Lakers will need to rely on senior left side attacker Christina Caruso and Hammerton to continue leading the team in passing.
As the playoffs approach, Nipissing may be switching up their game plan for a last minute move up the rankings.