LONDON, ON - Western battled through tight moments early on against Ottawa, before finding their rhythm and taking control of the match, closing it out with strong runs and steady play to earn the win.
Friday, January 16
GAME RECAP
Western got off to a slow start in the first set as Ottawa scored early points and built a small lead. Then the Mustangs got settled in and tied the set at 4–4 after strong serving and capitalizing on Ottawa errors. The teams stayed close through the middle of the set, trading points as Western used steady attacks and tough serves to keep pace. Late in the set, the score was tied at 19–19 before Western went on an important scoring run. The Mustangs finished strong, pulling away at the end to win the set 25–22.
Western fell behind early in the second set as Ottawa jumped out to a quick lead and stayed in control through the opening points. The Mustangs began to close the gap midway through the set by taking advantage of errors and putting pressure on serve. Ottawa held the lead late, going up 20–18, but Western stayed calm and kept scoring. The set was tied at 22–22 before the Mustangs went on a strong closing run. Western finished the set with key points at the net and from the service line to take it 25–22.
Ottawa scored first, but Western answered right away and quickly took control of the set. The Mustangs went on a big run early, using strong serving and blocks to build a clear lead at 10–6 and then stretch it even more. The lead grew to 19–8 as Western kept forcing errors and scoring at the net. Ottawa tried to respond late with a small run, but Western stayed steady and didn't let the momentum change. Western closed the set comfortably with strong serves and clean finishes to win 25–15, making it a 3-0 game.
Saturday, January 17
GAME RECAP
The first set started with Ottawa taking control early and building a small lead. Western stayed close by scoring off blocks, attack errors, and a few clean kills, slowly working their way back. The set stayed tight late, with both teams trading points and extending rallies. The score was tied at 25–25 before Ottawa finished the set with two straight points to win 27–25.
Western played with more confidence in the second set and scored early with strong attacks and good defense at the net. Ottawa answered with tough serves that forced mistakes and briefly pulled ahead. The Mustangs responded with a scoring run that included blocks and quick points in transition. Western closed the set by limiting errors and won 25–20.
The third set was controlled by Western from the start. Western built an early lead using steady serving, solid blocks, and long rallies that went their way. Ottawa struggled to find answers as Western continued to score in groups. The Mustangs never let the lead shrink and finished the set 25–13.
Ottawa opened the fourth set with energy and scored the first few points, but Western answered quickly. After the score evened out, the Mustangs went on a long run by winning rallies at the net and forcing attack errors. Ottawa tried to push back late, but Western stayed calm and kept scoring on side-outs. The Mustangs closed the match with a 25–18 win in the final set.
NEXT GAME
Next weekend the Mustangs are away playing against the Waterloo Warriors for a start time of 6:00pm on Friday. Watch the game live on OUA.tv!
