Windsor, ON -  The Mustangs Men's Volleyball team took the opening set of the OUA semifinal but fell 3-1 to the Windsor Lancers on Friday night.

GAME RECAP

Western opened the match strongly, capitalizing on the Lancers' early service and attack errors to take a 3-0 lead. Cade Smith's contributions were significant, registering multiple kills, including a key block that further extended their advantage.

Windsor managed to rally back, tying the score at 8-8, but the Mustangs responded with a series of decisive plays. Jayden Talsma's service ace and Cameron McGregor's effective attacks helped Western regain control. Despite Windsor's late attempts to close the gap, Western maintained its edge, with McGregor's service ace and a final attack error from Gustavo Siqueira securing a 25-22 win in the first set.

Western showed resilience in the second set, keeping pace with the Lancers through a series of critical plays. Nicolas Silon and Smith delivered key kills, with Michael Jones providing consistent assists, helping the Mustangs narrow the gap multiple times. Despite their efforts, Western faced strong opposition from Windsor's defence, which capitalized on several attack errors and blocks. The set concluded with Windsor winning 25-20 and tieing the match at 1-1.

Western's third set was marked by a strong mid-set surge, highlighted by Kendall Homenick's consistent blocking. Homenick effectively neutralized Anthony Ivanovski's attacks twice in succession, contributing to Western's early lead. Smith further extended this advantage with two consecutive service aces, prompting a Windsor timeout at 9-4. Despite the Lancers' efforts to regain momentum, Western maintained a narrow lead, with key contributions from Silon and Talsma. However, Windsor mounted a comeback, tying the score at 19-19 and eventually taking the lead. Western fought back to level the score at 22-22, but Windsor capitalized on the crucial moments, concluding the set with a 25-23 victory. The Lancer now led 2-1.

Western battled fiercely in the fourth set, closing the gap to 20-20 with a kill by Silon and a subsequent attack error from Windsor's Siqueira. Despite a strong performance from Smith, who contributed several crucial points, including a kill that tied the score at 21-21, Windsor regained control. Service errors and attack errors from the Mustangs allowed Windsor to pull ahead and secure the set. The final set ended with the Lancers clinching the set at 25-21, and securing their spot in the Forsyth Cup.

MUSTANGS STATS

Cade Smith 
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- 16 kills 
- 9 digs 
- 2 service aces 
- 19.0 points 
 
Michael Jones 
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- 37 assists 
- 4 digs 
- 1 service ace 
 
Nicolas Silon 
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- 7 kills on a .417 hitting percentage 
- 2 service aces 
- 2.0 total blocks 
- 10.5 points 
 
Kendall Homenick 
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- 3 solo blocks 
- 4.0 total blocks 
- 7.5 points 
 
 
NEXT GAME
With the Lancers winning, they will take either the OUA champion or runner up spot at the U SPORTS Championship. As they are the host of the tournament this year, that now opens up a third spot in the event. That means Western will host the OUA Bronze Medal game against Nipissing next Friday night at Alumni Hall. Get your tickets at WesternMustangs.ca/Tickets.