GUELPH, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphons men's lacrosse team learned a lot about what it takes to succeed in a few dramatic battles throughout last year's Baggataway Cup. They've carried those lessons over in the early going of the 2018 CUFLA season, beginning their opening weekend of play with a perfect record. Guelph took control early in its latest game and cruised to a 17-3 win over the McMaster Marauders at the Gryphon Soccer Complex Sunday afternoon.
 
The Gryphons (2-0, including a 16-12 season-opening win Saturday over Laurentian) fell behind 1-0 on their home field early. But fourth-year attack Zach Luis changed the momentum with two straight goals and the hosts were on their way, scoring 11 straight after initially trailing. Luis finished with a hat trick and an assist, while talented third-year midfield Alec Simons added three goals.
 
Guelph had an opportunity to spread the offence around with 12 different players scoring and four rookies grabbing the first goals of their Gryphon career. While the score was lopsided, fourth-year goalie Denys Semenovych had to come up big several times in the Guelph net.
 
Turning point
The Gryphons started slow but Luis showed his offensive abilities by scoring at 8:26 of the first period to tie the game 1-1. His second, coming less than three minutes later, gave Guelph the lead for good. The hosts rolled from that point on and put in a complete effort, with many young players getting a chance for valuable minutes.
 
Gryphon Take
"We played really well. I was impressed by the fact that the team played 80 minutes of good lacrosse. Everybody was jumping into the play and contributing." – head coach Sam Kosakowski
 
The Record
Guelph is 2-0.
 
Next up
Brock, Sunday, Sept. 16, 1 pm @ the Gryphon Soccer Complex