KINGSTON, Ont. - The Mustangs men's lacrosse team are set to defend their championship title after defeating the McGill Redmen 14-11 in semi-final action. The team will face off against their CUFLA West division rival, the Brock Badgers, Sunday at 1 p.m. with the Baggataway Cup on the line.
 
McGill drew first blood, scoring a minute and a half into the game, before Western gained control and jumped out to a commanding 4-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. Cody Ward and Reid Reinholdt each had a pair of goals in the frame, with Nikolai Farrus adding three assists.
 
The Mustangs did not give up the lead for the rest of the game, extending their lead to 10-4 at the halfway point in the game. Despite a close second half that saw McGill outscore the Mustangs seven goals to four, the Mustangs booked their ticket to their third straight gold medal game.
 
Reinholdt added a second half goal to complete his hat trick, finishing the night with four points, and with a timely insurance marker at the end of the fourth quarter to seal the win. Keagan Croley was awarded the player of the game, for his strong defensive play that helped the team lock down the win.
 
It was the second win of the championship for the Mustangs, who dispatched of the host Queen's Gaels 13-6 in their Friday night quarterfinal match-up. Ward led the team with three goals against the Gaels, and was awarded the player of the game.
 
The biggest challenge of the weekend lies ahead, with the Mustangs having to face off against the undefeated Brock Badgers at 1 p.m. in order to secure back-to-back titles. The Mustangs only two losses of the season came at the hands of the Badgers, who are looking to earn their first championship since 2009.