Gryphon lacrosse men yield first goal, then run to victory

HAMILTON – The Guelph Gryphons responded to yielding the first goal of the game by scoring nine in a row on their way to a 12-3 victory over the McMaster Marauders in Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association play at McMaster’s Alumni Field.

The hosts opened the scoring less than three minutes into the game, but the Gryphs had shot ahead 4-1 by the end of the first quarter. That margin grew to 9-1 by halftime and 10-3 at the end of the third quarter.

Guelph Gryphons 12 McMaster 3

Mark Wilson led the Gryphs with four goals and three assists while Connor Watson had a hat trick. Adding one goal apiece were Michael Berger, Zakary Coulman, Ben Doherty, Mitchell Ogilvie and Gavin Thibeault. Berger, Nick Nigro and Thomas Whitty each had one assist.

Mitchell Pellarin, Graydon Power and Derrick Hastings had unassisted goals for McMaster.

Cameron MacLeod started in goal for the Gryphs and made seven saves in the first half, the same number of saves Jacob Hayne made in the second half.

McMaster also switched goaltenders at halftime. Anthony Martins started and had eight saves in the first half while Manraj Nijar had nine in the second half.

The Gryphs outshot the Marauders 29-17.

Guelph was also called for four penalties, one more than McMaster.

The result leaves the Gryphs in third place in the West Division at 2-1 and McMaster fourth at 1-3. Brock Badgers and Western Mustangs are tied for the lead at 2-0 while Laurier Golden Hawks are fifth at 0-3.

The Gryphs have three games left on their regular-season schedule. They’re to host Western Oct. 17 at 1 p.m., play at Laurier Oct. 19 and host Brock Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. Home games are at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.

• Guelph Sports Journal