KINGSTON, Ont. – The Queens Gaels men's volleyball team (5-3) fought hard against the Western Mustangs (4-1), but fell narrowly 3-1 (28-30, 29-31, 25-19, 22-25).

The first two sets featured a bevy of lead changes, and stingy defense from both teams that made it difficult for either team to take a commanding lead. In the first, it was the Mustangs coming out strong, with Justin Scapinello (London, Ont.) recording six kills, and three timely blocks from middle Phil James (Ottawa, Ont.). Despite the Gaels forcing it to extra points, it was the Mustangs who took the first set. The second set featured seven Queen's errors, which gave Western an opportunity to take control. Strong play by Philippe Goyer (Ottawa, Ont.), who recorded 11 of his 28 kills in the set, kept the Gaels in the second; however three set aces by Western and a dominating defensive effort, allowed them to take a 2-0 set lead.
 
Philippe Goyer of the Gaels continued his authoritative play into the third set—recording eight kills and 2.5 blocks to help the Gaels down the Mustangs 25-19. The Gaels' offensive efficiency was set up by setter Jackson Dakin (Courtenay, B.C) who recorded 49 assists. The Gaels front line was dominating, with Mike Tomlinson (Stratford, Ont.) recording three kills and 1.5 blocks, and Dakin recording two kills and a block in the third. Goyer's 24th point of the match, a well placed kill into open court, gave the Gaels the third set victory.

The fourth set was much like the rest of the match and was deadlocked until the final points. A Tomlinson offside attack gave Queen's the early set lead, which Western answered to draw things even at nine. Two Dakin blocks restored the Gaels' two-point lead, which Western middle James quickly answered with his own block and kill. Queen's middle Scott Brunet (Calgary, Alta.) added two more blocks, making the Gaels' game total 10, to give Queens the 16-14 lead at the technical time out. However Tricolour errors, disciplined Mustangs defense and three timely successful offensive attacks gave Western a 23-21 lead closing in on the final points of the set. A costly Queen's service error match, and James recording his 11th kill of the match the Mustangs were able to claim the set and the match, 3-1.
 
The Gaels are in action next Friday, November 23rd, against the RMC Paladins. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the ARC Main Gym.