MEN'S VOLLEYBALL - Gryphons lose to undefeated Mustangs
 
GUELPH, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons matched up against the undefeated Western Mustangs tonight (Jan. 13^th) in Guelph at the W.F. Mitchell Centre. After struggling through the first two sets, the Gryphons picked up their game in the third, but it wasn't enough to take it. The game finished 3-0 for the Mustangs. Set scores were 16-25, 16-25, and 18-25.

The Gryphons drop to an 8-4 standing and share second place with McMaster and Windsor, all with 16 points. The Mustangs hold onto their season long winning streak and first place standing with a perfect 12-0 record.

The Mustangs stirred up an early lead which carried through set one. Despite best efforts the Gryphons struggled to return attacks once the Mustangs broke through their blocks. Mustang leader Garrett May (Scarborough, ON) was a menace on the court for the Gryphons. The set finished quickly, 16-25 for the Mustangs.

Guelph entered the second set with more energy, especially from right side hitter Drew Whitaker (Sharon, ON) who contributed eight kills and two digs for the Gryphons. The Mustangs refused to let plays die and were determined to return the ball back into action. Matt Waite (St. Thomas, ON) helped lead the Mustangs with 12 kills and four digs. Mathieu Poulin (Winnipeg, MB) proved to be one of the strongest servers on the court, and slammed an ace against the Gryphons. The gap between points continued to grow and the set ended in another 16-25 win for the Mustangs.

The Gryphons stepped onto the court for the third set with a renewed confidence, which instantly showed on the scoreboard. After an intense rally broke out between the two teams the Gryphons came out on top and took the well-earned point. Guelph built their first small lead of the game at 4-3 and played neck-to-neck for much of the set. Winston Rosser (Whitby, ON) helped lead the Gryphons with 10 kills, three digs and one ace.

As the score increased the Gryphons hung on and continued to frustrate the Mustangs. Guelph's Greg Houston (Chatham, ON) and Marc Wilson (Stratford, ON) - the Gryphon athlete of the week, helped maintain Guelph's power. Unfortunately for the Gryphons, as the game was nearing an end the strong Mustang front line managed to build a lead. Guelph began to break under the pressure and a final Western block finished the set 18-25.

The Gryphons next play the Windsor Lancers tomorrow night (Jan. 14^th) in Guelph at the W.F. Mitchell Centre. The game begins at 8pm.