Exhibition: Guelph Gryphons win 4-2 over Juniata College

GUELPH, Ont. - The Gryphon field hockey team defeated Juniata College 4-2 in an exhibition match last night played in their first home game in 13 seasons at the University of Guelph’s new Varsity Field.

The Gryphons began preparations for the 2010 season yesterday as it held its first practice on the newly constructed Varsity Field, a $1.8-million turf-grass surface. After just one practice session, the Gryphons had the opportunity to play at home for the first time in 13 seasons.

The Gryphons tested out their new field as they hosted the three-time defending Landmark Conference champion Juniata College Eagles who are favoured to earn the title for the fourth time in 2010. Juniata received 75 points in the poll and was picked to finish first or second on every ballot.

In the contest Guelph hit the scoreboard first on a goal by freshman Alexis Wagner (Guelph, ON) off a penalty corner, her first in a Gryphon jersey. However, the Eagles who had been in camp for five days and were coming off a 1-0 victory over the Waterloo Warriors rebounded to tie the game at 1-apiece. For the next 15 minutes, the Gryphons were under pressure and found themselves down 2-1. However, Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, ON) retaliated with back-to-back goals in penalty corner play to tie the contest and put the Gryphons in front by one. Erica Baxter, another rookie (Kitchener, ON) recorded her first goal and the insurance marker for a 4-2 final result.

Dorothy Marcy (Oliver, BC), Kaye McLagan (Mitchell, ON) and rookie netminder Alex Bland (Vancouver, BC) split time in the cage.

“It will take us a while to adjust to this new surface as we learn to hit the ball with more power and will have to work harder to come to the ball,” said head coach Michelle Turley. “Nevertheless, coming off just one practice, I am pleased with the outcome and everyone’s performance.”

The Gryphons will have four more practice sessions before heading to Germany. According to Turley, “this will be an amazing opportunity for us as Germany is ranked very high on the world stage in Hockey with the Men at #2 and the Women at #4.”

Source:

Guelph Sports Info