Oshawa, Ont. – Thanks to six unanswered goals late in the game, the Guelph Gryphons men's lacrosse team advanced to the semi-finals of the Baggataway Cup on Friday, with a 13-9 win over Bishop's. Bishop's twice had two-goal leads but the Gryphons refused to collapse.
 
The game was a see-saw battle until the 1:20 remaining in the third quarter. The teams were tied at 4 after the first and knotted at 6's at the half. The Gryphons scored first to go up 7-6 in the third but Bishop's responded with three to take a 9-7 lead; a lead they would hold until the 1:20 mark. With just over a minute remaining Curtis Knight (Oshawa, ON) would score for Guelph to bring them within one and give the Gryphons some momentum going into the 4^th.

Guelph's drawman Scott Johnston (Burlington, ON) would win the faceoff to open the final quarter and give Guelph a crucial possession. Two minutes into the 4^th, Knight would score again for the Gryphons and give them their first 2 goal lead of the game. Johnston again dominated at the faceoff and two minutes later, Ryan Serville (Pickering, ON) took a feed from Jordan Critch (Orangeville, ON) to put the Gryphons up by three. Brett Ulbikas (Oakville, ON) would add Guelph's 4^th in a row, followed by one from Critch and then an empty net goal from Knight to seal the win.

The Gryphon defensive crew was outstanding down the stretch, killing several penalties and forcing multiple turn overs. Bishop's struggled to maintain possession and as the Gryphon's opened up their lead, Bishop's was forced to push the ball. Led by Gryphon goaltender Mike Lalani (Guelph, ON) , the defense did not falter, keeping Bishop's scoreless in the final quarter. 

For his efforts defensively, Longstick Midfielder DJ Nedelko (Lynden, ON) was the Gryphon player of the game, while Curtis Knight's 4 goal and 1 assist performance earned him the player of the game. Ryan Servile also ended the game with 4 goals and 1 assist and Mike Burke (Wasaga Beach, ON) had 2 and 3. Brett Ulbikas and Liam Corbett (Burlington, ON) had one each.

The Gryphons will now face Brock in the semi-final on Saturday at noon. The game will be live-streamed at JVI Sports Network
Game time is 12:00 pm.

Note:  Three Gryphons were named CUFLA All-Canadians on Friday after tremendous 2014 seasons.  Congratulations to…
Attack: Ryan Serville
Midfield: Curtis Knight
Longstick Midfield: DJ Nedelko