Gryphon basketball women drop preseason opener

WATERLOO – The Guelph Gryphons fell behind in the first quarter and just couldn’t catch up as they suffered a 72-67 loss to the Concordia Stingers in their opening game in the Naismith Tournament at Waterloo Thursday.

After going ahead by five points early in the opening quarter, the Gryphs were outscored 19-6 the remainder of the quarter to trail 22-14. They were down 36-27 at halftime and 58-49 after the third quarter.

MacKeely Shantz led the Gryphs with 26 points while Renee Armstrong and Natalie Vigna added 10 apiece. Shantz grabbed 12 rebounds while Julia Colavecchia had seven and a block while Armstrong had four assists and a block. Vigna had two steals.

Areej Burgonio led Concordia with 22 points, 11 assists and six steals while Serena Tchida had 19 points and 15 rebounds.

The Gryphs shot 38 percent on field goals, 42 percent on three-pointers and 48 percent of free throws as they hit 10 of 21 free throws. They also had 14 points off turnovers, 12 on second chances and 10 from the bench.

Concordia shot 36 percent on field goals, 33 percent on three-pointers and 78 percent on free throws. The Stingers had 23 points off turnovers, seven on second chances and 10 from the bench.

The game was Guelph’s first of the preseason. Continuing in the tournament, the Gryphs are to play the UNBC Thunderwolves Friday at 1:15 p.m. and the Waterloo Warriors Saturday at 8 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal