By TRT Staff with notes from westernmustangs.ca
KINGSTON, ONTARIO — The Western Mustangs Women’s Lacrosse team came out on top at the end of October, securing another Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title, with a roster that included Six Nations Tenley Hill and Timmia Bomberry.
This year, the Mustangs performance allowed them decided victories leading into the OUA final.
With the OUA tournament starting on October 27, the Mustangs had wins of 15-3 over the Guelph Gryphons, and 18-3 over the McMaster Marauders to get into medal contention. The Mustangs then beat the Toronto Varsity Blues 13-4 in the semi-final to earn a berth in to the gold medal game on October 29.
This brought the Mustangs to face the Queen’s Gaels, host of the championship. The Mustangs came from behind in the game to win their eight OUA Championship in program history on Sunday evening. They triumphed over the Gaels with a score of 9-6 to take the Patterson Cup.
Queen’s held a 3-2 lead at halftime, Quinn Kolwich and Lexi Delisle scored the Mustangs pair of goals.
While the Gaels lead the majority of the first three quarters, the fourth belonged to Western. Queen’s was unable to find the net and the Mustangs built up their momentum. Western tied up the game with Reese Whiteman finding the back of the net. They pushed into the lead with Whiteman and Timmia Bomberry nabbing goals as well. The Gaels were unable to respond and, with one final goal from Quinn Kolwich, the Mustangs clinched the gold medal.
The win marks the first OUA Women’s Lacrosse gold for Western since 2017. Head Coach Garrett Loubert was also named 2023 OUA Coach of the Year at the post-tournament ceremony.
A trio of Mustangs were further recognized as OUA All-Stars for their outstanding performances. Reese Wilkins (Attack), Lexie Delisle (Mid-Field) & Taya Keast (Defender).
