ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – During her five years with the Gryphons women's hockey team, Valerie Lamenta has put together one of the most decorated careers in program history. As a sophomore, the Montreal native became the first U of G women's hockey player to be named national player of the year. She is a two-time All-Canadian. A two-time OUA champion. And now, in her fifth and final season with the Gryphons, it appears the Mechanical Engineering major is not quite done padding the resume.
 
Friday night at Seymour-Hannah Arena in St. Catharines, Lamenta recorded a 22-save shutout, helping lead the Gryphons to a 1-0 win over the Brock Badgers. Fourth-year forward Claire Merrick scored the game's lone goal, firing home a shot from the slot midway through the opening period, giving Guelph all the offence they would need. With the win, the Gryphons sweep the best-of-three OUA Quarter-final series and will now await their next opponent in the conference semi-finals.
 
Of Lamenta's 22 saves on the night, several were of the highlight-reel fashion, including an incredible pad save during the 2nd period, denying Brock of a power play goal. For Lamenta, who led the OUA in both goals against average and save percentage, Friday night's performance marked her second consecutive postseason shutout. In the two OUA quarter-final games versus Brock, Lamenta turned away all 39 shots sent her way.  
 
The top-seeded Gryphons will now await their OUA semi-final opponent.
 
Gryphon Take 
"It was a really great team effort tonight. Once again our special teams were solid. Our penalty kill unit did a great job making some in-game adjustments, and Val (Lamenta) was unbelievable for us."  – Gryphon head coach Rachel Flanagan
 
 
The Series
Guelph wins OUA Quarter-final series vs Brock 2-games-to-0.
 
Next up – OUA Semi-final series (Feb. 27 – March 3) – opponent TBD