Queen’s eight-game winning streak was snapped on Sunday against the Western Mustangs.

The 3-2 defeat was the Gaels’ (8-1-1) first regulation loss this season. They still sit atop the OUA standings with 17 points.

Despite the loss, head coach Matt Holmberg said the Gaels outworked the Mustangs at times.

“In the bigger picture of us continuing to improve, I’m happy, but I’m still disappointed with the loss,” he said.

The weekend had a mixed result, as the Gaels defeated the Windsor Lancers 5-1 on Saturday, with goals coming from five different players.

Centre Chelsey Verbeek and wingers Brittany McHaffie and Taryn Pilon each scored in the first period, while centre Morgan McHaffie and winger Courtenay Jacklin netted goals in the second.

Goaltender Mel Dodd-Maher made 21 saves for the win.

On Sunday, Western got an early jump into the game. The Gaels fell behind 2-0 before Brittany McHaffie scored with four minutes left in the second period.

After Western scored with six minutes remaining, Pilon converted on a late power play to draw within one. Despite the Gaels’ continued pressure, they couldn’t score the equalizer. Goaltender Karissa Savage had 19 saves in the loss.

The Gaels have now played each team in the OUA once, with the top four teams separated by just two points.

“There’s some really good teams and it’s going to be tight, particularly amongst the top four,” Holmberg said. “I think we have the ability to remain one of the top teams if we keep playing like this.”