LONDON, ON – The Western Mustangs earned a 5–2 win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday night at Thompson Arena, highlighted by a strong second period and a steady performance in goal from Presley Daschuk (#89).

Western opened the scoring early at 18:19 when a point shot found its way through traffic to give the Mustangs the lead. Ontario Tech controlled the puck for stretches in the first period, but Daschuk made several key saves to keep Western ahead. The Mustangs added another goal at 2:52, though the Ridgebacks responded immediately at 2:11 to cut the lead to one heading into the first intermission.

Western played their best hockey in the second. The team moved the puck well and created multiple scoring chances. A backhand goal at 17:30 put Western back in front, and later, a power-play goal at 11:18 extended the lead to 4–1 after two periods.

Ontario Tech pushed back early in the final frame, carrying possession and drawing a boarding penalty against Western around the 16-minute mark. The Ridgebacks capitalized moments later, scoring to make it 4–2 with 16:34 remaining. But Western remained composed, defending with structure and managing the puck efficiently in the closing minutes. With Ontario Tech's net empty in the final minute, Wouda sealed the victory with her second of the night, scoring into the open net with 34.3 seconds left.

"The power play goal was set up perfectly," Alyssa Wouda (#37) said. "Our line worked together really well. We stayed close, moved the puck smart, and I just drove to the net and buried it."

"It was a team effort," Wouda added. "All five on the ice contributed, and the energy on the bench kept us going. We stayed composed and finished the game strong."

"Ontario Tech started strong with puck possession, but we gradually took control," head coach Brittney Howard said. "The second period especially showed our speed and ability to execute. When your team scores five goals, credit goes to the whole group — the passing, the movement, the work inside the dots — all of it coming together."

"One of our standout players tonight was Alyssa," Howard continued. "She used her speed, drove wide, and made smart plays with the puck. When she brings it to the net like that, good things happen. She played a great game."

The Mustangs return home next week to host the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Arena. You can watch the game live on OUA.TV.