Gryphon soccer women move on to divisional semifinals

GUELPH – The Guelph Gryphons struck for three goals in the first 20 minutes as they burst out of the blocks on their way to a 4-1 victory over the Brock Badgers in OUA women’s soccer playoff action Wednesday at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.

The Gryphs connected for their opening goal on a nicely-placed shot by Olivia Rizakos about six and a half minutes into the game.

Olivia Brown followed with another long shot with 15 and a half minutes gone and a light rain falling.

Rizakos gave the Gryphs a three-goal lead before Brock narrowed the gap on Grace Tawil’s goal in first-half stoppage time.

Guelph completed the scoring in second-half stoppage time on a goal by Tessa Ladhani.

Christina Gomes, Sydney Vanderhoef and Haley Ward each had an assist for the Gryphs.

Brianna Bishop had an assist for Brock.

The Gryphs outshot the Badgers 8-3, including a 5-2 advantage on shots on target.

The teams each took five corner kicks while the Gryphs were called for six fouls, two more than Brock.

The Gryphs had finished the regular season in third in the OUA West standings with an 8-2-2 record while Brock was sixth at 3-5-4.

The Gryphs advance to the divisional semifinals with a game against the McMaster Marauders, also 8-2-2, Saturday at Hamilton. Game time is 1 p.m.

McMaster defeated the Gryphs 4-0 at Hamilton Oct. 7.

• Guelph Sports Journal