LONDON, Ont. – A heartbreaking 69-65 loss to the Brock Badgers will bring the Western Mustangs to the end of their 2019/2020 season after an impressive year of maintaining the first-place position. With 20 regular season wins and 4 losses, the Mustangs witnessed one of their most impressive seasons yet. With the win, the Badgers will advance to the Critelli Cup Championship final this Saturday, February 29^th.
 
Western's Becky Leblanc kicked off what was to be an intense match after a stolen ball allowed for a court-long pass that led to Julia Curran's first two points of the night. Leblanc, Curran, and Maddy Horst were all quick to put their names up with 22-points between the three of them, but lesser-known guard Jenna Lawrence was right behind them with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. The Mustangs would close a fast-paced first quarter leading 25-16 over the Badgers.
 
Sofia Croce opened up the court for Brock at the start of the second, making room for Melissa Tatti to follow-up with a steal from right under Western's nose. Brock held firm at a 7-point deficit, but when Lawrence returned to the court once more, another three-pointer would give Western the momentum needed to hit 40-points. Leading by 12, the Mustangs would need to keep up the intensity if they wanted to see the Badgers roll over in the second half of the match.
 
Aggression spiked on the court as both teams returned with stronger defensive strategies. As the stands continued to fill with Mustangs and Badgers fans alike, Western struggled to put points on the board. Brock's Jessica Morris and Sam Keltos would catch the team up, and with one more basket, Croce would tie the game 45-all. Curran's ever-reliable free-throws kept the 'Stangs in it, but with less than 90 seconds in the quarter, it was anyone's game. Morris would bring the Badgers to a 51-50 lead at the sound of the buzzer.
 
With 5 minutes remaining, the Badgers led by 3. Curran stepped up to the line, bringing the gap to 2, and would eventually put the 'Stangs back into the lead with a three-pointer from the top of the circle. However, Croce continued to pull through for her team. With 0:52 remaining, Brock led by 5 points. Western's leading scorers of the night stepped onto the court for one last attempt, Leblanc putting up three more points, but Brock's Tatti would respond with her own three to guarantee Brock's trip to the finals with a 69-65 win.

In his first year as Head Coach, the improvement and success Nate McKibbon has brought to the team is undeniable. Both on and off the court, the girls have all demonstrated an immense capacity for leadership and dedication, and it is with a particular sadness that the Mustangs send off their three graduating players - Maddy Horst, Julia Curran, and Becky Leblanc - with best wishes for future success.