GUELPH - Colette McAuley does not believe in the sports cliché about "rebuilding." The Guelph Gryphons women's rugby coach has high expectations for her players every season, regardless of the roster makeup. That approach has permeated through the program and the defending champion Gryphons again find themselves playing the biggest matches, like this Saturday when they host the York Lions in an OUA semi-final at Varsity Field.

"It's about understanding what players are capable of with each group," McCauley said of the philosophy. "As coaches, it's our job to figure out the game plan that brings out the best in the athletes that we have. You use their strengths. We have a young, mobile team and we have a mobile attack.

"Each year is something that they build and it has nothing to do with the year before. They're really keen to prove that."
 

The Gryphons (4-0), ranked No. 2 in U SPORTS as the only undefeated team in the OUA, have been eagerly awaiting the post-season. Guelph was dominant in conference play, outscoring opponents 214-60. The side is fast and intense but most importantly, coachable, according to McCauley. Veterans like versatile fourth-year centre Madison Brattan, fifth-year scrum half Chloe Runge, third-year centre Alexandra Everett, fourth-year prop Andi Lakatos, fourth-year 8^th man Kylie Shaughnessy, and third-fly half and national team member Julia Schell have anchored the talented side.

Guelph spent the week both preparing for what the Lions will bring and implementing a few new options for the offence.

"Our defence has been working really well this year so far and we'll continue with that kind of urgency," McAuley said. "In the attack, we can't be so predictable as we enter the playoffs and play the best teams. We need to be able to execute different options from a single structure."

The Gryphons defeated York 76-10 when they met earlier this season on Sept. 8. But the coach expects the physical visitors to be playing at a higher level.

"They've got some hard runners and good tacklers," said McAuley. "We need to have the mindset that we are the more violent team in contact. We've been working on that mindset all week. The girls know it's going to be a hard-fought battle so we've really worked on that physicality."

McAuley added that spirits were high in preparation this week and the players have been excited to roll out a new look in such a meaningful game. She has been impressed with the work ethic among the group.

"They're eager to try new things," McAuley said. "There's no push back. They just want to be better."