GUELPH, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons Women's soccer team rallied tonight (Sept. 7) to claim a 2-1 victory over the visiting UOIT Ridgebacks.
 
The win propels the Gryphons to a 2-1 and drops the Ridgebacks to a 1-2 standing.
 
In the opening stages possession bounced evenly between teams, with neither teams able to make an impact. Yet it was following a free kick in Ridgeback territory that allowed Alex Harriss to capitalize on defensive miscommunication and give the Gryphons an early 1-0 lead.
 
Throughout the remainder of the half, both defensive units were able to keep any serious attempts away from the net in the remainder of a split-possession half.  Great awareness by Gryphon Keeper, Alex King allowed the Gryphons to end the half on top.
 
Maintaining their positive momentum, the Gryphons came out strong in the second half with two quick attempts on net.  Their hunger would eventually pay off in the 56^th minute as Alex Harriss scored her second of the night.  The opportunity was created by a spectacular free kick from Taylor Daniels to increase the Gryphon lead. 
 
As the lead slowly slipped away from them, the Ridgebacks increased their physical play in an attempt to thwart the Gryphon momentum.  Unfazed, the Gryphons continued to match the Ridgeback's intensity by creating several promising attacks on the UOIT goal.  Yet despite strong defensive play by Lauren Hampton, Alex Lundhild and Natalie Schott, UOIT shattered Alex King's hopes of a second consecutive shutout by scoring in the 70^th minute.  Jessica Mithrush was awarded the goal.
 
However, with combined efforts on all fronts, the Gryphons were able to hold off any further Ridgeback threats to secure a 2-1 victory.  Hopefully this momentum will carry them through their trip on the road.  They look to carry on this success with their game on September 15^th against McMaster.  The game takes place at 1pm at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ont.