Box Score GUELPH -- The Guelph Gryphons field hockey team was eagerly waiting Oct. 11. The game on the schedule against the York Lions would give Guelph a chance to avenge its one loss on the year. The Gryphons did exactly that, dominating play to beat the previously undefeated Lions 1-0, while also ending their Toronto rival's bid for a perfect season on the slick turf at Varsity Field.

Kayla Magarelli, the reigning Women's Gryphon Athlete of the Week, scored the goal for Guelph (5-1-2), which has now won three straight and sit firmly in second place in the OUA standings. Bouncing back from their only loss back on Sept. 24 has provided a huge boost for the Gryphons in the late stage of the season.

"This was a big win for us," said coach Michelle Turley. "It sends a message to the league that we're maintaining our high standards and expectations."

The Gryphons like to play fast and the conditions were ideal to knock off the first-place Lions.

"The surface was conducive to our style of play tonight," said Turley. "It was really wet and the ball moved much faster for us. We strung numerous passes together and hit the ball very well."
 

Magarelli was instrumental in Guelph's 4-0 win over Waterloo last week, scoring twice and adding an assist. She picked up where she left off in that game, getting the breakthrough goal after the 60-minute mark. The second-year midfielder from Vaughn, ON took a pass from Kendra Puttick and buried it to give the Gryphons all of the offence they would need.

Magarelli has five goals in eight games this season.

The Gryphons, who have allowed a league-low four goals this season, stayed disciplined down the stretch and finished off the Lions, who entered the night having won their first eight games. Goalies Morgan Kelley and Amanda Hodgert combined for the shutout.

One of those eight York wins was a 3-1 decision over the Gryphons last month in Kingston. Turley felt like that game was a missed opportunity as the Gryphons could have changed the outcome when the score was 2-1 with a ball sitting on the York goal line that didn't go in.

"It's great to avenge that loss," Turley said.

Guelph has four games left on the regular season schedule, beginning with a date against the McGill Martlets in Toronto this Saturday at 3:15 pm.