London, ON – The Mustangs picked up a resilient 4-2 win over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday night. Western capitalized on a power play in the second period, which contributed to their lead, and added two more goals in the 3^rd period to take the win.

"That's the first time we've been able to go into a deficit and come back twice. That's huge for our program and shows the locker room and being able to face adversity, especially in the second half, and being able to pull away with 3 points was huge tonight." said Mustangs Head Coach Brittany Howard.

GAME RECAP
Western opened the first period energetically, but Toronto capitalized on a power play opportunity following a penalty against Arnica Bulmer. Ashley Delahey scored with assistance from Taylor Thompson and Emma Elders at 08:36, giving Toronto the lead. The period concluded with Western trailing 1–0.

Maria Shea opened the second period scoring for Western at 07:50, assisted by Kate Martin and Sara Forwell. This goal marked her first of the season and provided Western a brief lead. Shortly after, at 09:52, Toronto responded with a goal from Abby Whitworth, leveling the game.

"When you can activate the D on the scoring front, it helps your offense that low to high play. It opens up their D in their lanes," said Howard.
Western took advantage of a series of power plays late in the period. With Toronto down a player due to multiple penalties, Madeleine Rai capitalized on the opportunity with a power-play goal at 19:25, assisted by Adeline Kristoff and Kate Martin. This goal allowed Western to regain the lead. The period ended with Western ahead, 2-1.

Western capitalized midway through the third period when Sadie Mulligan scored at 10:26, assisted by Haylie Kirkpatrick and Avry Pedersen. This goal extended their lead and added pressure on Toronto.

"Sadie continues to keep getting a bigger role within our lineup, and she had a fabulous goal to score there, and we hope it keeps coming," said Howard.
 
As the period neared its conclusion, Haylie Kirkpatrick secured the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:26, marking her fifth goal of the season. Western maintained control and closed the game with a 4–2 victory.

KEY STATS

Sadie Mulligan
----------------------
- 1 goal
- 1 game-winning goal
 
Madeleine Rai
----------------------
- 1 goal
- 1 power-play goal
 
Presley Daschuk
----------------------
- 11 saves

NEXT GAME

The Mustangs head to the nation's capital next weekend for a two-game road trip, starting with a Friday night game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, and then Saturday night they take on the Carleton Ravens. Both games are set for 7:00 pm puck drops. Fans can catch the action on OUA.tv.