Guelph, ON - Saturday at the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre the Gryphons Women's Basketball team lost 78-62 to the Queen's Gaels in their final preseason game of 2015.
  The Gryphons got off to a good start with a couple of quick early baskets and forced several turnovers from the Gaels jumping out to a lead. But as the quarter and the first half continued on, the Gryphons really struggled handling the pressure defense of Queen's as they forced turnovers and errant shots from the Gryphs. The Gaels were one of the best in OUA last season in forcing turnovers as they forced the opposition into committing an average of 22.4 per game. The first half was a very physical affair with lots of bodies on the floor diving for loose balls. The hosts were down as much as 11 before making a run to finish the second quarter to cut the lead down to seven.

 

The second half was much of the same for the Gryphons as the Queens constant, non-stop press defense continued to wear the Gryphs down in a very physical game. The aggressiveness of the Gaels attacking the rim opened up the outside shot and the three ball as they converted on a fatigued Gryphons team. When the dust settled, Queens walked away with a comfortable 78-62 preseason win over the Gryphs. Despite the loss, the hosts continued to fight and battle through the press defense and playing through the final whistle.

 

Two fifth year players led the way for the Gryphons as Kate MacTavish led all scorers with 19 points and Dana Van Balkom finished with 16 points as she went a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line. The Gryphons have lost the last three meetings to the Gaels with their last win coming on Nov. 27, 2012 where they won 71-62 at home. The next game for the Gryphons will open up OUA Conference play as they are in Thunder Bay, Ont., to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves for two games on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.