Western vs Waterloo October 30 53-69

Mustangs Show Fight in Home Opener Against Waterloo at Thompson Arena

LONDON, ON – The Western Mustangs women's basketball team returned to Thompson Arena on Friday evening for their first home game of the 2026-27 season, welcoming the Waterloo Warriors in an exciting matchup that featured several determined comeback efforts. Despite a resilient performance in front of their home crowd, the Mustangs fell 69-53, moving to 1-1 on the season.

Paris Alexander led Western with 13 points, while Sydney Cowan and Monique Monplaisir each contributed nine. Reese Burleigh made her presence felt on the glass with a game-high 10 rebounds for Western, helping the Mustangs maintain their intensity throughout the contest.

First Quarter

The home opener began at a fast pace, with both teams exchanging baskets in the opening minute. Emily Capretta got Western on the scoreboard with a smooth mid-range jumper off an assist from Paris Alexander, before Alexander connected from beyond the arc to give the Mustangs an early 5-4 lead.

Waterloo responded with a series of baskets, taking a 10-6 advantage just three minutes into the contest. The Warriors continued to find success inside, extending their lead to 18-8 as Western worked to establish its offensive rhythm.

Nicole Daly added two free throws late in the quarter, while the Mustangs continued battling for possessions on both ends of the floor. Waterloo entered the second quarter leading 18-10.

Second Quarter

Waterloo carried its momentum into the second, opening with a 7-0 run to extend its lead to 25-10. However, the Mustangs quickly demonstrated the determination that would define their home-opening performance.

Reese Burleigh ignited Western's response with a jumper, followed by a strong finish inside from Monique Monplaisir. When Waterloo connected from beyond the arc, Alexander answered almost immediately with a three-pointer of her own, keeping the Mustangs in the fight.

Western began finding its rhythm through aggressive rebounding, defensive pressure, and improved offensive execution. Sydney Cowan contributed a pair of free throws and a layup, while Burleigh continued attacking the basket, adding two free throws and another finish inside.

One of the quarter's biggest moments came when Daly secured an offensive rebound following Burleigh's missed free throw and converted the second-chance opportunity. Moments later, Daly found Monplaisir for another layup, bringing Western within just three points and forcing Waterloo to call a timeout.

After trailing by as many as 15 points, the Mustangs had turned the momentum around, outscoring Waterloo 19-14 in the quarter and entering halftime down just 32-29.

Following the game, head coach Nate McKibbon praised his team's willingness to compete through adversity.

"I appreciate this team will continue to fight as well, even when we're not necessarily at our best," said McKibbon.

Third Quarter

Waterloo opened the second half with a three-pointer from Ghiselle Poblete, but the Mustangs remained determined to build on their strong finish to the first half.

Alexander responded with a layup before connecting on another three-pointer off an assist from Daly. Burleigh followed with a strong finish inside, and Cowan added a layup to bring Western within three points at 41-38 midway through the quarter.

The Mustangs continued to create opportunities through active defensive pressure and hustle plays. Monplaisir came up with a steal that eventually led to a Daly jumper, keeping Western within striking distance.

Waterloo answered with timely baskets, however, preventing the Mustangs from taking the lead. The Warriors extended their advantage to 12 points in the closing moments of the quarter.

With time winding down, Cowan delivered one of Western's standout plays of the evening, knocking down a three-pointer with nine seconds remaining to give the Mustangs a boost heading into the final frame.

Western entered the fourth quarter trailing 53-44, with another comeback still within reach.

Fourth Quarter

The Mustangs opened the final quarter with renewed urgency as Alexander scored a layup on the team's first possession, trimming the deficit to seven.

Western continued applying defensive pressure, with Alexander recording a steal that led to an Annie Balfe layup, bringing the Mustangs within seven again at 55-48.

Waterloo responded with consecutive baskets, including a three-pointer from Simran Lail, pushing its advantage to 60-48.

Despite the growing deficit, the Mustangs continued competing for every possession. Balfe found Monplaisir for a layup, while Western's defensive activity and offensive rebounding provided additional scoring opportunities.

However, the Mustangs struggled to convert consistently in the closing minutes, allowing Waterloo to maintain control. Isabella Cotton added a late second-chance basket, but the Warriors ultimately secured the 69-53 victory.

Reflecting on the team's offensive struggles, McKibbon acknowledged that Western had opportunities to change the outcome.

"It just seemed like we had our opportunities. We just didn't take advantage of them," said McKibbon.

The head coach also noted that missed opportunities can disrupt a team's rhythm, causing players to move away from their usual approach.

Although the Mustangs were unable to secure a victory in their first home appearance of the season, the contest provided several encouraging signs. Western out rebounded Waterloo 41-33, recorded 14 steals, and received 21 points from its bench.

The team's ability to respond to a 15-point deficit, combined with its continued effort on both ends of the floor, demonstrated the resilience and competitive spirit the Mustangs will look to carry forward as their season continues.

Western Mustangs Statistical Leaders

• Paris Alexander: 13 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL

• Sydney Cowan: 9 PTS, 2 REB, 1 STL

• Monique Monplaisir: 9 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK

• Reese Burleigh: 8 PTS, 10 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL

• Nicole Daly: 6 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Final Score: Waterloo 69, Western 53

Western Record: 1-1