The University of Windsor Lancers men's volleyball team defeated the Western Mustangs in four sets on Friday, Feb. 27 to advance to the OUA Forsyth Cup Championship for the second straight season, setting up a rematch against the Queen's Gaels.
GAME FLOW
After dropping a tightly contested opening set 25–22, the Lancers regrouped and found their rhythm in the second. Windsor recorded 12 kills with just four errors on 26 attempts for a .308 hitting percentage, while limiting Western to .148 efficiency to even the match at one set apiece.
The blue and gold elevated their play in the third set, producing 17 kills on 38 swings to hit .263 in a competitive 25–23 frame. With momentum on their side, Windsor delivered its most efficient set of the night in the fourth, swinging at a remarkable .480 clip with 14 kills and only two errors on 25 attempts to close out the match 25–21.
"It's do or die, right?" said fifth-year opposite hitter Chase Bridges. "Our philosophy every single year has been one point at a time."
As a team, the Lancers hit .347 with 59 kills on 118 attempts, while adding four service aces, 16 total blocks, and 41 digs in a well-rounded performance. Windsor's blocking presence proved decisive, outmatching the Mustangs 16–9 at the net and controlling key rallies down the stretch.
STATS
Gustavo Siqueira led all attackers with a dominant 19 kills on 33 swings for a .485 percentage, adding three block assists and 20.5 points. Chase Bridges contributed 12 kills and four total blocks, while Anthony Ivanovski added eight kills and an impressive six total blocks (two solo, four assists).
"Being able to just come back [...] I had more confidence than before," said Bridges, who played in three or more sets for the first time since Jan. 30.
Conaire Taub was efficient in the middle with eight kills at a .400 clip to go along with three total blocks, and Darian Koskie chipped in seven kills while hitting .538 with three block assists. Markus Law-Heese orchestrated the offence masterfully, dishing out a season-high 50 assists while adding three kills, three block assists, and all-around steady defensive play. Noah Koskie anchored the backcourt with a match-high 17 digs, helping Windsor sustain rallies and transition effectively.
UP NEXT
With this win, the Lancers have clinched a spot in the OUA Forsyth Cup Championship for the second year in a row, where they will face the Queen's Gaels for the second year in a row.
Bridges and the Lancers are set for the gold medal rematch. "I've been dreaming for it all year, I've only wanted to play. God answered all of our prayers, being able to have a rematch at home against Queen's, I wouldn't want a better script. I'm excited for it."
First serve of the OUA Championship is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at the Toldo Lancer Centre. Tickets can be purchased online at golancers.ca/tickets, with the game available to be streamed online at oua.tv.
