TORONTO — The No. 2 Ryerson Rams are set to host the No. 9 Western Mustangs and the Windsor Lancers to officially kick off their second semester campaign this weekend at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. 

The Rams will resume conference play on Friday against Western after enjoying a month-long holiday break from conference play. 

The team wrapped up first semester with an 8-1 record, suffering their only loss to the No. 4 Toronto Varsity Blues on November 22. The team went on to sweep the Trent Excalibur the following evening to cap off their nearly flawless first semester efforts. 

At the midway point of the season, the Rams appear to be in top shape. Fourth-year outside hitter Cailin Wark (Georgetown, Ont.) ranks third in the league with 3.50 kills per set and fourth in hitting percentage with a .333 efficiency, while libero Sam Cyrille (Scarborough, Ont.) and outside hitter Brett Hagarty (Aurora, Ont.) rank second (4.53) and third (4.51) in the league respectively in digs per set. Second-year setter Lauren Wong (Scarborough, Ont.) also ranks top five in the OUA with 8.43 assists per set. 

Looking ahead, the team will look to clean up their play before the regular season begins to wind down in February. The year's first pair of challengers are set to come to town this weekend as the Rams shake off their holiday cobwebs against Western and Windsor. 

First up, the Rams will host Western on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. The 7-3 Mustangs are one of the strongest teams in the league, but their year-to-date statistics reflect a slightly above-average squad with strong defending and serving. Western certainly excels in the back court, currently ranking third in the OUA in service aces per set (2.67) and digs per set (14.61). The Mustangs also have an edge on the block, as most teams in the league do, but the Rams' incredible 16.63 digs per set aides in their own blocking struggles. 

The matchup will certainly put Ryerson to the test on their first game back from the break, but it is imperative that the Rams return to form and capitalize on their strengths if they wish to pull out two points against nationally ranked Western. 

The following evening night sees Windsor come to town in search of a win against the No. 2 Rams. The Lancers sit sixth in the OUA West with a 3-5 record on the year, earning wins against McMaster, York and Nipissing in the front half of the season. Windsor middle blocker Ally Winik is particularly dangerous at the net, and the Rams will need to shut her down and stick to their system to wrap up the weekend with a win. 

Both games this weekend are set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Tickets can be purchased here, and both matches will be broadcasted on OUA.tv.