The Western University Mustangs won the gold medal at the 36^th Excalibur Volleyball Classic with a 3-1 victory over the host York Lions in the tournament final on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 4).
 
The two squads split the opening two sets, with Western winning the first 25-20 and York the second 25-22. But the Mustangs stepped up their game after that and took the final two sets 25-18, 25-23.
 
The tournament title is the first for the Mustangs since they won back-to-back gold medals in 2011 and 2012. The Lions finished with the silver for the second time in three years, after recording the same result in 2013.
 
In the bronze medal match earlier on Sunday, the Waterloo Warriors pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over the Ryerson Rams. They won the first two sets 25-13, 25-22, but the Rams rallied all the way back by taking the third and fourth sets 25-19, 25-23, respectively. However, Waterloo rebounded to take the fifth 15-10 for third place.
 
Preliminary Round
Ryerson 3, Western 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-23, 27-25)
Waterloo 3, York 0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23)
 
Semifinals
Western 3, Waterloo 0 (default)
York 3, Ryerson 1 (25-18, 26-24, 17-25, 25-20)
 
Finals
Gold – Western 3, York 1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Bronze – Waterloo 3, Ryerson 2 (25-13, 25-22, 19-25, 23-25, 15-10)
 
Tournament MVP
Justin Scapinello – Western
 
All-tournament Team
Lucas Coleman – Ryerson
Zach Doherty – Waterloo
Matt Hooker – Western
Will Ottey – Ryerson
Nicola Sandic – York 
Ray Szeto – York