HAMILTON, Ont. - The Mustangs fought hard against the McMaster Marauders but ultimately lost the game of several tight consecutive matches 3-1 (25-16, 27-29, 20-25, 21-25).

Western opened the first set very strong, earning 6 consecutive points with effective kills and attack errors by the Marauders. Though McMaster made several impressive kills the Mustangs maintained the lead. With Western at a 10 point lead the Marauders fought back with several kills the Marauder began to close the deficit. When they arrive at 10 points, the Mustangs made several energetic kills. Western lead 20-10. Though the teams alternated between effective kills, the Mustangs won the set 25-16.

The second set saw the teams matched. Kill after kill kept the teams each at deficit of no more than 1 until they tied 5-5. However, McMaster gained momentum and kept the Mustangs narrowly behind. A couple service and reception errors prevented Western from catching up, but the Marauders also failed to receive multiple times allowing for a tie at 12-12. The teams remained neck and neck, maintaining ties until they were tied at 16-16. The Marauders pulled ahead with effective attacks but the Mustangs make several kills to tie once again at 20-20. McMaster pulled ahead and maintained a minimal deficit to tie 25-25, all the way to 27-27. However, the Mustangs remained at 27 points while the Marauders made 2 kills to win the set 29-27.

A couple of Mustang service errors and a Marauder service ace started the third set with McMaster in the lead. A service error and attack error allowed the Mustangs to close the deficit but the Marauders made several effective attacks and pulled ahead 8-4. Several attacks kept the Marauders ahead though the Mustangs fought back in many long rounds. McMaster earned several kills, the Mustangs continued to fight and earned a couple to maintain the deficit. However, Western fought back to reduce the deficit, Marauders leading 22-19. The Mustangs earned only one more point before McMaster claimed the set 25-20.

Western fought back hard at the outset of the final round, leading with consecutive kills 5-1. Mustangs attack errors and Marauder kills allowed McMaster to earn a couple of points, but they remained at a deficit of 6 points. Up until the Mustangs led 21-14, the set seemed to go to the Mustangs' kills and defense. However, attacks and service aces allowed the Marauders to catch up, Western still leading 21-20. Attack after consecutive attack and service ace allowed McMaster to take the set 25-21.

Western's next action will see them meet Trent on Friday, January 25th at Alumni Hall for an 8pm start.