WINDSOR, Ont. - The Mustangs' keen defensive effort was not enough to claim a 3 set match against the Windsor Lancers on Friday night at the St. Denis Centre (20-25, 18-25, 13-25).
Western suffered several service reception errors and despite a strong effort were unable to keep up with Windsor's offense. Despite this, #Kelsey Veltman# was titled player of the game earning 20 total attacks and 11 points for her team. #Kate Van Camp# also shone for the purple and white, earning 10.5 points for the team.
The Lancers and Mustangs were evenly matched at the outset. Long rallies and deep digs keep the teams neck and neck. Western pulled ahead with a block for a 13-9 lead, maintaining an advantage on attacks and kills. A very good fake out by Veltman brought the game to its first time out.
Western put Windsor at a four point deficit, but the Lancers fought back with several effective serves to tie the game once again. Head coach Melissa Bartlett called a timeout for the Mustangs, but the Lancers took the lead with a service ace and 4 mishandled serves by Western. The Mustangs took the technical time out and returned to the same formation. #Maya Kelly# came on to serve and earned a point for the Mustangs, but they remained at a two point deficit. With several effective blocks, the Lancers took the first set 25-20.
Western kicked off the second set with a two point lead. Mustangs maintained the lead, only to have the Lancers equalize the score with a service ace. Veltman attacked to put Western ahead 7-6, but three violations against the Mustangs kept Windsor ahead, bringing them ahead by two points. Windsor quickly earned several consecutive kills and at the technical, giving the Lancers a 16-9 lead.
The Mustangs broke up a point spree for the Lancers with a block and an ace, only for a mid-row block giving Windsor another point. Some longer rallies kept the Mustangs in the game, but ultimately Windsor claimed the set 25-18.
Windsor earned the first two points of the match, then maintaining a substantial lead with several effective blocks. With Windsor at 11 points, the Mustangs made several effective kills to catch up back up to nine points. A huge swing by Veltman earned the Mustangs a point bringing the score to 16-12 still in the Lancers favour. Despite the their efforts, the Lancers earned several consecutive points with effective attacks and Mustang attack errors to lead 22-13. Two violations and an attack earned Windsor the set 25-13, also awarding them the match.
The Mustangs will return to home court at Alumni Hall next Friday, November 30th, 2018 at 6:00pm to face the McMaster Marauders in their final game of 2018.
