London, ON –  It was a tough night for the Mustangs as they fell to the Waterloo Warriors for the second night in a row, this time 5-1 at Thompson Arena.
 
Waterloo got off to a fast start and got a big save out of Western goaltender Kaitlyn Booth 30 seconds in. Despite this, it would be Western who would get on the board first.
 
With their first shot on goal, Hannah Irwin would slide it home giving the Mustangs the lead just a few minutes into the period.
 
"it was just a play up ice," said Irwin on her goal. "I passed it to Janneke Watt on the wing and I drove to the net and shot it and next thing you know it went in. It was a good start on our end."
 
Moments later, Western would be on the powerplay as they looked to extend their lead against their first-place opponent, yet ultimately couldn't capitalize.
 
Halfway through the frame, a purple jersey was sent to the box, and the visitors only needed a few seconds to get on the board and tie things up. With seven minutes remaining in the first, Waterloo would find the back of the net again to get out in front for the first time in the game.
 
"I think we definitely improved from yesterday," said defenceman Emily Ignagni. "We lost the momentum a bit after the first goal, but we were moving the puck more. We had to use the middle more because Waterloo clogs the boards. Our main goal was to get more shots because lately we haven't been testing the goalie and we have really skilled players on our team to score."
 
The visitors would net their third of the game on the powerplay mere seconds before the period buzzer sounded, as the game quickly got away from the Mustangs.
 
"We didn't get off to a really good start yesterday," said assistant coach Blair Webster. "We focused on a better start to the game, more energy, work ethic, and I think we came out really good, got the lead, then surrendered some, but overall a much better period for us."
 
5 minutes into the second and without a registered shot on goal in the frame, the purple and white would try their luck on the powerplay for the second time in this contest from a tripping call. They were not able to score despite their chances, and Waterloo would score their fourth moments after by sneaking one past Booth.
 
"They move very quickly. They're very good at passing and moving up ice," said Irwin on her opponents. "They're good shooters, so that's definitely something we need to cover for next time we face them, maybe in the playoffs."
 
Despite taking turns with the extra attacker, the score would stand at 4-1 at the end of the second.
 
Western had another powerplay 7 minutes into the third period from a Waterloo holding penalty, but couldn't capitalize yet again, as they ended the night with no powerplay goals despite 5 opportunities. Waterloo continued piling on the offence, but Booth stood tall and kept the deficit at 3.
 
With two-minutes remaining in the game, the sides would play 4-on-4 thanks to body checking and tripping calls, which saw the visitors net their fifth goal of the night for a final score of 5-1. Western was outshot 35-21.
 
"It's little-small details we have to focus on this week in practice. We have a good group of girls and just need to put 60 minutes of play together," said Webster. "We beat them before Christmas, all games in the West are close. You have to get the bounces, make your own luck, and today we couldn't do that."
 
With this loss, the Mustangs drop to 4-8 on the season, which puts extra importance on the final three games against Windsor this upcoming week to close out the regular season and push for a playoff or play-in position in the West. With the first two games being at Thompson Arena, the Mustangs have the advantage of not having to travel unlike their opponent.
 
"We have to put the two losses behind us and regroup," said Irwin. "It comes down to focus."
 
"As long as we can learn from these last two games, that will be good," added Ignagni. "I love being the underdog, all we can do is go up from here."
 
The Mustangs are next in action on March 3^rd as they welcome the Windsor Lancers to Thompson Arena. Puck-drop is at 7pm with tickets being available to purchase at https://westernmustangstickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1535&p=1