Jan. 14: Western 3 – Guelph 2 (25-17, 21-25, 17-25, 25-18, 13-15)

 

GUELPH – The University of Guelph women's volleyball team came up a bit short in their epic battle against the Western Mustangs on Friday night at the W.F. Mitchell Center losing 3-2.

 

Guelph came out of the gates smoking in the first set as they played nearly flawless volleyball in taking the set 25-17. Western had an equally impressive response in set 2 to even the match winning 25-21. Western jumped out to an early lead in the third set leading 6-2 and were able to maintain that lead throughout the set expanding it later to win 25-17. The Gryphons serve receive improved in the fourth set which allowed Guelph to consistently side out maintaining a slight advantage through most of the set. A four point run late gave the Gryphons the 25-18 win to force a fifth set. An error-filled opening from Guelph saw Western fully in control at the change over leading 8-2, but the Gryphons refused to go quietly, eventually tying the set at 12 all. However, a big block from Western and a wipe-off kill at match point gave the Mustangs the 15-13 win.

 

"Tonight was a tough match to lose. The first two sets were probably some of the best OUA women's volleyball I've seen played in a long while as each team took turns being outstanding. We came up two points short in the end, but our team showed some progress in fighting to stay in the match after a disappointing third set," stated head coach Paul Funk.

 

The Gryphons were led by Erinn Bickle with 15 points (14 kills, 1 ace) followed by Brooke Lloyd (9 kills, 2 aces, 3 blocks) and Kylen Van Osch (12 kills, 1 ace, 1 block) with 14 points each.

 

Guelph's home weekend continues Saturday at 6pm when they host the improving Windsor Lancers.