GUELPH, Ont. – Another postseason looms for a team that has become the benchmark for success in women's collegiate hockey. And while Saturday's game meant nothing in terms of the standings for the OUA-leading Guelph Gryphons, it was a chance to honour a group of eight players who have become pillars for the program. A win would have been appropriate for players who have become so accustomed to victories but No. 7 Guelph fell 1-0 to the Toronto Varsity Blues on Senior Day at the Gryphon Centre Arena.
 
It was the final regular season home game for Samantha Jemmett, Karli Shell, Meagan Lee, Ashlee Lawrence, Laura Crowdis, Mallory Young, Claire Merrick, captain Kaitlin Lowy, and former U SPORTS Player of the Year Valerie Lamenta. These players, along with their younger teammates, will now shift the focus to the OUA postseason and a chance at a third McCaw Cup in four years. 
 
The Gryphons had already locked up first place in the OUA and home ice throughout the playoffs. And while they have had their way of late, the Varsity Blues proved difficult to break down, handing Guelph its first regulation loss since Nov. 21 against the Ryerson Rams. 
 
The Gryphons did finish with a flurry and with Lamenta pulled for an extra attacker late, rookie Lauren Ianni almost snatched an equalizer in the dying seconds but her attempt down low was saved by Vrarsity Blues goalie Erica Fryer, who registered a 16-save shutout. 
 
Louie Bieman scored the lone goal of the game on a Toronto power play late in the second period, the only shot to beat Lamenta, who made 18 saves on the day. 
 
 
Guelph will await the results of games on Saturday night to determine an opponent in the OUA Quarter-finals. The Gryphons will start the playoffs next week on home ice. 
 
 
Gryphon Take
"There's a lot of uniqueness to this group and they are going to be difficult to replace both on and off the ice. Every graduating group is special but this one has been so very rewarding to work with. They have challenged us and each other to become better each day and they respect and love each other more than any team I've coached. They have combined for over 925 regular season/playoff games in a Gryphon uniform, two OUA championships, and three of nine have played in three national championship tournaments."
 
"It's been a bit of a challenge lately because most teams that are playing really have something on the line. We can't wait around in games because now, something is on the line. We need to find a way to play a full 60 minutes. I thought our third period was good today. We waited and waited and just couldn't find a way to get inside their D. their defensive zone was a real challenge. We have to find a way to get inside those defenders and we didn't do a very good job of it today." – head coach Rachel Flanagan
 
 
The Record
Guelph is 16-3-2-3.
 
 
Next up
at home in OUA Quarter-final (date & opponent TBD)