London, ON – Western secured a 3-0 straight-set victory over TMU on Friday night in their first match of 2025. The Mustangs won by set scores of 25-23, 25-20, and 25-22 and move to 10-1 on the season with the win.
 
Western secured a narrow 25-23 victory in the first set, with key performances from Claire Stewart and Rachel Gray. A notable moment was Western's comeback from a 20-20 tie, with Claire Stewart's block and kill contributing to a crucial three-point streak. Ava Ebert clinched the set with a kill on a set from Thea Ishida, following a service error by TMU, sealing the win for the Mustangs.

W?? END OF 1ST SET
Ava Ebert finishes out the set win for the Mustangs as they take the opening frame 25-23.

TMU l 0
WES l 1
?? stream the game LIVE on https://t.co/otXrD4PfAj#RunWithUs l #LetsGoMustangs l #TMUvsWES pic.twitter.com/EtxtFrfmQx

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) January 10, 2025

 
In the second set, Western secured a 25-20 victory. The set featured a strong performance from Stewart, who contributed multiple kills, notably levelling the score at 10-10 with a kill assisted by Thea Ishida. A significant streak occurred as the Mustangs scored five consecutive points from 11-10 to 16-11, highlighted by a service ace from Kylie Maxwell and another from Stewart. Western maintained their momentum to close the set with kills from Gray and Emma Buntic.

W?? END OF 2ND SET
The Mustangs pick up a 25-20 win. Claire Stewart & Rachel Gray lead the way with 8 kills each.

TMU l 0
WES l 2
?? stream the game LIVE on https://t.co/otXrD4PfAj#RunWithUs l #LetsGoMustangs l #TMUvsWES pic.twitter.com/9GR3AXIPzd

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) January 11, 2025

 
In the third set, Western quickly caught up after the initial two-point lead by TMU. Gray and Stewart were key contributors yet again key kills. Mid-set, Thea Ishida facilitated several successful plays, including a crucial service ace at 22-20. The Mustangs maintained momentum, with Nyla Tukker and Gray delivering decisive points, culminating in a TMU attack error by Scarlett Gingera to close the set.

W?? FINAL
The Mustangs close out a straight-set match win with a 25-22 victory in the 3rd set over TMU.

Both sides are back at it tomorrow afternoon for a 2:00 pm start.

TMU l 0
WES l 3#RunWithUs l #LetsGoMustangs l #TMUvsWES pic.twitter.com/vH1thdRnEA

— Western Mustangs (@WesternMustangs) January 11, 2025

 
Stewart's standout night included a hitting percentage of .727 with nine kills, contributing to 12.5 points overall. Thea Ishida is a key playmaker for the team, leading with 36 assists, showcasing her pivotal role in setting up offensive plays. Gray had another notable night, recording 15.5 points, the highest on the team, with 13 kills and a hitting percentage of .310. Ava Ebert also had a strong performance, with a hitting percentage of .636 and contributing 10.5 points.
 
Up next, The Mustangs and Bold renew acquaintance Saturday afternoon for a 2:00 p.m start at Alumni Hall.