GUELPH, ON – This weekend, the Gryphons women's lacrosse team will head to Peterborough to wrap up their 2016 regular season schedule. After having posted a 1-12 record a season ago, the Gryphons have already made some huge strides in 2016 and proven that they have the ability to compete with the top teams in the league. Despite fielding a roster that features 12 rookies, the Gryphons, under second year head coach Staci Morris, have posted a solid 4-6-1 record through their first 11 games. The Toronto Varsity Blues, who boast a record of 9-3 and currently sit 2nd in the OUA East, were pushed to the limit by the Gryphons back on October 3rd before managing to escape Varsity Field with a 10-8 win. The Gryphons also gave the 2nd place team in the OUA West, the Brock Badgers, a tough game as a back-and-forth affair on October 1st ended in a 7-7 tie. The talent is there for the Gryphons. Now comes the task of putting it all together at the end of the year when it matters most.
 
Several of the team's first year players have impressed in 2016, including midfielder Susanna Coss (Oakville, ON) who has turned into one of the team's top goal scorers. Another Oakville native, Erin Murray, has handled the transition from defence to attack seamlessly and boasts one of the hardest shots on the team. While the team's rookie attacks, Kristine Webber (Whitby, ON) and Marissa Kozovski (Markham, ON), have performed well up front all season long.
 
This weekend's trip to Trent will signal a return home for a trio of veteran players on the Gryphons roster who all call the Peterborough area home. Taylor Kidd, Nicole Gastle and Shayla Larson all attended the same high school in Peterborough (Lakefield District Secondary School) and now each hold leadership roles in the midfield, defence and goal. Larson, a transfer from McMaster who is in her first year with the Gryphons, has taken over the No. 1 goalie spot for the Gryphs. Gastle, a co-captain alongside Kidd, has provided leadership from the back in this her second year with the team. While Kidd, a Studio Art major, prepares to wrap up a terrific four-year career at U of G following an MVP-type of season.  
 
Next weekend's OUA Championship tournament will mark the final time several senior players put on the Gryphon jersey, including Victoria Flood, Jaimie Rodriguez, Shannon Walton and Olivia Kaminski. The OUA Lacrosse Championship tournament is being hosted by McMaster and will take place October 21 to 23 at Alumni Field in Hamilton.
 
There will certainly be a playoff-like feel to the two games this weekend however, as the Gryphons face the undefeated Trent Excalibur (10-0) on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 11:30am, followed by a 3pm game versus the Queen's Gaels (7-4).
 
The Gryphons have already surprised many this season, a few more surprises over the course of the next two weekends would make the 2016 season one to truly remember for the Gryphons women's lacrosse players and coaches.