London, ON  - The Western Mustangs Men's Lacrosse team head into the Baggataway Cup play-in game this weekend with a record nine wins and one loss.

With an incredibly successful regular season finished, they now move on to host Nipissing this Saturday, October 28 at 6pm on Mustang Field at home. This is a must win game for the Mustangs for the team to continue their championship dreams for this year.

Mustangs Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Chris Standish is proud of the exceptional results the team has had so far this season and the talent shown by this team. "Connor Murphy leads the West division in scoring this regular season, and our team defence had the lowest goals against this season and in league recorded history. Jacob Hickey was drafted 8th overall in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) to the Georgia Swarm. And all our first-year offensive players scored their first goals of their CUFLA career."

Jacob Hickey attributes being a part of the Mustangs program to helping him achieve his goal of being drafted to the NLL this fall. "I think [being on the team] has helped a lot. Even just the extra two months of a year. It's not a full year-round sport, it's mostly in the summer. So Western helps. It's an extra two months of lacrosse, five days a week reps. It's a lot of game reps, and it's just playing the sport and keeping the stick in your hands when you're not in the box across season in the summer. So it's great for that." Hickey is proud to have been drafted to the NLL. "It's pretty special. I grew up going to games and watching the pro teams in Toronto play, so, I mean, being able to compete on that stage and hearing your name called to the draft is pretty special because it's been a long journey to get there. So it's pretty cool."

Student athlete leadership plays a big part in the success of a team. "Our team captains, Chris Dong, Jacob Hickey, Michael Orlando, and Michael Wilson have taken their team leadership to another level this season. They have promoted a great team atmosphere and a very high compete level." Head Coach Standish said.

Michael Wilson, a third-year defenceman and one of the four captains on the Men's Lacrosse team, started playing the sport in grade six with the encouragement of his hockey coach at the time. He says that the team has high expectations going into the playoffs. "We feel like we have the group to really do it this year. Every year we've come close, but this team we feel really, really confident in. It's the most tight we've been as a group so far in any year I've been here. And we feel really good about our chances."

Wilson also says that he's proud of the team and the work they have been putting in this year. "Guys are really buckling down and showing up to work every day at practice. I think we set out a different standard this year. There was never any complacency with this team. We felt like, no matter our record going 9-1 on the regular season, we always had the mindset that we hadn't proven anything yet and we knew that accolades, whether it be having a perfect record or setting a new defensive goals against record, really mean nothing if you don't win. So we still have that chip on our shoulder and we, we're ready to bring it in playoffs."

Michael Orlando is in his fifth year as a Goalie and also a Captain with the Mutangs Men's Lacrosse team. He first started playing the sport when he was eight years old, as his dad is a professional Lacrosse player. "He got me going into the game and I picked it up, and ever since then I continued playing and through university as well."

Leadership is key to any strong team dynamic and Orlando tries to lead by example. "As an upper year student athlete on the team, [I try] to be welcoming to all the first-year guys and show them what the team is really about. I really emphasize family on the team and want all these guys to know that when your time's done here, you're leaving the team with 35 new brothers."

Jacob Hickey is a third-year midfielder, and Captain on the Men's Lacrosse team and has been playing Lacrosse since he was three years old. He has high expectations as the team moves into the postseason. "We have a really good team this year, a really strong team. The expectations are to go out there and win. That's the end goal."

As one of the captains and team leaders, Hickey believes that being supportive but also pushing people out of their comfort zone can be important.  "Not trying to quiet anyone or intimidate anyone. Everyone's got a voice. Everyone's a part of the team. Everyone's equal. We're all equals here. I also try to set an example through my play; if you're a hard worker, then other people work hard; and I think everyone kind of adapts to that. I think we're all leaders in our own way."

In addition to the results on the field, Coach Standish is also very proud of the team off the field. "I'm very proud of our team's positive culture and work ethic. The [Mustangs Men's Lacrosse] team is very motivated to win the Baggataway Cup."

"The team works hard to balance hard work with the fun of playing. They work to build confidence of the team members through positivity". Coach Standish said.

As a third-year captain on the team, Chris Dong started playing when he was five years old. He says the team dynamic is not only his favourite thing about this team but also what he is most proud of. "I think it's really cool how close we are. We all go out together. We're always doing things together. We're getting food together and stuff like that. It's just a good bond. I like being around the team. We're really close this year and it's a lot of fun."
 
As a leader and captain, Dong also thinks it is important to be inclusive. "We have a lot of recruits this year, a lot of first-years, and they just don't really know what university is like. So it's really important to be inclusive and just make sure everyone's together and doing things together." He also says it is important to plan for success. "Know when your practices are, know when your games are. Just try and get your work done the day and then get ready for practice."

The team also recognizes that playing a varsity team sport and maintaining a focus on academics is a balancing act, and Orlando advises new student athletes recognize it will be an adjustment in university. "You'll get used to it." He says. "You'll know your practice times, and there are academic resources that can help you out as a varsity athlete. But once you get into the groove of things, I think it's pretty easy to balance the two together."

Wilson also thinks that this team has created the environment for success. "Making sure everyone feels valued and like they have a role on the team is important. When you get late into the season like this, and if you're a guy who's not seeing the field as much, just making sure that the work that you're putting in really is valued and just giving guys a reason to put in work and feel like everything they do at practice or in, during the games is helping to build what we're trying to accomplish."

Coach Standish, who has been with the team since 2014, said that his favourite thing about his role was "The relationships [he has built] with players and coaches." He was also very grateful to the Western Mustangs for the support they give to the Men's Lacrosse team. "We are very thankful for the work that Western Sports & Recreation does to make our team so strong and well organized."

When asked for any last comments or words, Team Co-Captain Michael Wilson may have put it most simply when he said "We're gonna win." But with all the positive things happening both on and off the field with the Mustangs Men's Lacrosse team, and the supportive inclusive environment they have created, it sounds like the team has already accomplished something incredibly special this season.

Games are free to attend and all are welcome! Come cheer on your Mustangs in the playoffs.