London, ON – The Mustangs Women's team started the 2025-26 campaign with a 3-0 win over Waterloo on Friday night.

"Really solid performance. I think the girls were focused," said Associate Coach Onkar Dhillion. "I think our senior players stepped up and showed that they've been in this position before to start. They know the rhythm we need to play to start strong. It was a really good performance by our senior players, and we got a few young players in. The future is bright here at Western."

The Mustangs opened the scoring in the 17^th minute with a goal from Helena McLellan. She stole the ball and then transitioned the ball towards the Waterloo goal, sending a high-arching kick over the Warriors' keeper and into the goal for the opening marker.

Western would strike again in the 37th minute on a corner kick from Hailey Slobodian, who curled a corner kick through the box and bounced into the Warriors' net.

"I guess just like breathe in, breathe out, you know, kind of like first quarter of the game want to make it count," said Slobodian of the goal "The goalie was pretty well off her line and I though either it's going to like go in or it's going to be a little out and someone can maybe like get ahead on it,".

Slobodian comes to Western after spending the last four season with the Lethbridge Pronghorns in Canada West.

"Hailey's an experienced player. She scored at every level she's ever played. She was working on corners all week, and I'm glad she used the wind and some pace and curve to her advantage," said Dhillon.
The second half began with Western maintaining their defensive focus, highlighted by goalkeeper Sammy St. Croix making key saves in the 55th and 79th minutes. Western's offensive efforts were persistent, with multiple attempts on goal by Sophia Saville and Priya Rastogi being thwarted by Waterloo.

The half concluded with a decisive moment as Mara Sanauceanu scored in extra time, picking the ball up around midfield, taking it the length of the field, sending a chip shot over the Waterloo keeper, securing a 3-0 lead for the Mustangs.
Goalkeeper Samantha St. played a crucial role in the win with four saves, maintaining a clean sheet over 90 minutes of play.

The two sides will meet again on Sunday (Aug 31), this time in Waterloo for a 1:00 pm start.