LONDON, ON - Friday night in London, the Gryphons men's volleyball picked up an impressive straight sets win over the Western Mustangs. Set scores were 25-18, 25-22 and 26-24. With the result, both teams now sit at 1-1 on the season.

While walking into Western and knocking off the Mustangs may have come as a surprise for some in OUA volleyball circles, it is nothing new for several of the core players on the Gryphons squad. Six players on the 2016-17 roster were also on the team two years ago when the Gryphons went down the 401 and knocked off the then-No. 8-ranked Mustangs. Thanks to yet another terrific team effort on Friday night, the Gryphons were able to once again leave Alumni Hall with a winning feeling. The Gryphons have now won two of their last three regular season trips in London.

"It was a great night for our guys. We have an extremely focused group who truly believe they can win on any given night in this league, and tonight they were able to put everything together for a phenomenal team win," said Gryphons head coach Cal Wigston after the game.

The Mustangs, who came into the night 1-0 on the young season after defeating Ryerson in their season opener, were perhaps caught by surprise by the Gryphons in the opening set, which Guelph took decisively, 25-18. Helping lead the way for the Gryphon attack on the night was third year setter Sam Kloke (Whitby, ON) who provided the Gryphs with excellent set distribution all night, finishing with a game-high 33 assists.

The Gryphons would carry the momentum from the opening set into the 2nd, winning 25-22 before holding off a late charge by Western in the 3rd to seal the match 26-24 in straight sets. The Gryphon attack was anchored by third year right side Zach Newman (Kitchener, ON) who was excellent in the service game, picking up a pair of aces, while also racking up a team-high 11 kills. Sophomore Jared Harris (Whitby, ON) also had a big night and helped lead the way defensively, coming up with several key blocks in the game. 

The Gryphons (1-1) will be right back in action on Saturday (November 5) as they travel to Windsor to face the Lancers (0-1) with game time set for 4pm at the St. Denis Centre.