GUELPH, Ont. – The reigning OUA champion Guelph Gryphons women's soccer team entered the 2018 season intent on avoiding a letdown after a banner year. The Gryphons have done precisely that in the early stages of the campaign and remain unbeaten after an impressive 1-0 victory over the Laurier Golden Hawks on a hot Sunday afternoon at home.

Third-year striker Victoria Hinchliffe had the match-winner when she found the back of the Laurier net in the 24^th minute. Guelph played well, particularly in a one-sided second half, and had the the big Orientation Week crowd at the Gryphon Soccer Complex bussing. The fans were treated to waves of attacks and if not for a strong performance from Golden Hawks' keeper Ashley Almeida, the scoreline would have been much different.
 
The teams exchanged excellent chances early in the first half before Hinchliffe put her mark on the match. She was given a good through ball and finished with her left foot, the strike bouncing off Almeida's right post and in. Guelph continued to attack throughout the second half and seemed likely to increase the lead but Almeida continued to deny the Gryphon onslaught, charging at balls in the area or going down to the turf to stop point-blank shots.
 
Despite a distinct advantage in possession and attempts on goal, Guelph had to be sharp late as Laurier went up the pitch in search of an equalizer. Second-year goalkeeper Brooke Davidson remained poise and snuffed out a late attack to preserve the clean sheet for the Gryphons.
 
Guelph finished with 16 shots, 10 of which hit the target.
 
Turning point
Hinchliffe has been on a torrid pace to start the 2018 season. The Guelph native looked dangerous whenever she touched the ball and Laurier couldn't handle her when she was sprung in the area for the 24^th-minute goal. It was her third in four matches, a complete reversal from a slow start last year. And they have all been big, too. She preserved a 2-0 win in the Gryphon season opener by notching the second, buried a critical equalizer in a 1-1 draw with York Wednesday, and then secured the three points Sunday with her latest strike.
 
Gryphon Take
"We worked really hard all week to increase the number of chances in the attacking third and I think we did that. Their keeper made some excellent saves and she was the player of the game on their side. She kept them in it, otherwise we could have got two or three in there. But when the scoreline is 1-nil, you have to really manage the game and I thought the girls really managed the game very well. I was really proud of them. That's not an easy way to close out a 1-0 game because it just takes a moment and it can go away from you, even though I thought we were good for it." – head coach Shayne Campbell
 
The Record
Guelph is 2-0-2.
 
Next up
@ Brock, Saturday, Sept. 8, 1 pm