GUELPH, ON - The Gryphons women's basketball team will head into the 2016-17 season on a winning note. Friday night at the W.F. Mitchell Centre, the Gryphons capped off the preseason portion of their schedule with a 67-62 win over the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks. Four Gryphons scored in double figures, led by Ashley Wheeler with 14 points.

The Gryphons were able to start the game on a 12-2 run and led by nine after the opening quarter of play. The Gryphon lead would grow to 13 by the half, as the Hawks were held to 29.4% shooting compared to 43.2% for Guelph. Megan Brenkel led the way early on with 10 points in the first half coming on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting, includind 2-of-3 from beyond.

Laurier would storm back in the second half, erasing what was once a 19-point deficit to actually take the lead early in the fourth quarter. But the Gryphons would answer back nicely, with Haley Belyk hitting a big three with just over two minutes to go to put Guelph back up four. Belyk finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. She also forced a Laurier turnover late and sealed the win with a pair of free throws in the final seconds.

The Gryphons will now prepare for their OUA regular season opener next Friday (November 5) as they travel to London to face the Western Mustangs. The Gryphons home opener is set for Saturday, November 12 at 6pm versus Queen's at the W.F. Mitchell Centre.