ST. CATHERINES, ON — The Western Mustangs fell 3–2 to the Brock Badgers on Thursday night, despite a strong push over the final forty minutes and a composed performance in goal from Brooke Vaccari (#40).

Western controlled possession early, but Brock opened the scoring on a power play just over two minutes into the game. The Mustangs continued to play at a fast pace and generate looks through the neutral zone, but were unable to get on the board before the end of the opening frame, heading into the intermission down 1–0.

The second period featured momentum swings at both ends. Brock added to their lead at 14:07, before Western responded at 12:13 when Emma Campbell (#71) found the back of the net to put the Mustangs on the board. Brock answered later in the period with another goal at 4:55, carrying a 3–1 lead into the third.

Western increased their urgency in the final frame. The Mustangs earned multiple power-play opportunities and continued to push offensively, breaking through at 6:50 when Alyssa Wouda (#37) scored to pull Western within one. Western pressed late, pulling the goaltender for the extra attacker and creating sustained pressure in Brock's zone, but the Badgers held on to close out the 3–2 game.

Vaccari made several key saves throughout the night, helping keep Western within reach in a fast-paced matchup.

The Mustangs will look to bounce back quickly as they hit the road to face the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Saturday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa, Ontario.