TORONTO, Ont. - There was no shortage of familiarity with each other Friday night when the Guelph Gryphons and Brock Badgers took to the court in Toronto for their OUA Final Four semi-final match up. Looking to make program history, the Gryphons wound up running in to a very strong Badgers side who defeated the Gryphons 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-15).
Having taken on the No. 6-nationally ranked Badgers three times already this year with some good results to show for it, the No. 10-nationally ranked Gryphons we're looking to build off those close matches in their semi-final contest. Unfortunately for Guelph, there seemed to be no answers Friday night for a Brock team that played extremely well.
As the semi-final match got underway, both teams looked to establish early momentum. After trading a few points back and forth, the Badgers were able to create the first bit of separation going up 9-5. From there on out though, the Gryphons would not allow Brock's lead to become much larger. Down just three points at the technical time-out, the Gryphons continued to stay within striking distance later in the set with the Badgers holding a 21-18 lead. For the Gryphs though, that three point lead proved to be a pesky one as Guelph ultimately lost the set by three, 25-22.
Although a strong effort did not result in an opening set win, the Gryphons looked to quickly turn the page and refocus on the 2nd set. Trying to deal with a very difficult team though, that was far from an easy task. Showing what has made them such a strong squad all year, the Badgers began to apply constant pressure from the very beginning of the set. Establishing a 9-1 lead right out of the gate, the No. 6 ranked team was able to grab control. Not going down without a fight in the set though, the Gryphs began to exchange punch for punch with Brock. Down 16-9 at the technical time-out, Guelph continued to try and fight back, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Badgers took the set 25-16.
With momentum against them as the 3rd set got underway, the Gryphons did their best to get some of it back on their side. However, the quick starting Badgers had the opposite idea though, and again were able to jump out to an early advantage going up 8-4. Following a Guelph time-out, the Gryphs did their best to slow down the Brock attack, but could not come up with the right answer. Trailing 16-9 at the technical, the final set wound up 25-15 in favour of the Badgers.
On the stat sheet, the Gryphons were led by Ally Proulx with six kills. Holding the team high in assists was Alex Curran with 18. Curran also led the team in digs with 15, while Curran and Cassidy Collins each finished with a pair of blocks.
Although there are only two trips to nationals available, the Gryphons will still have plenty to play for on Saturday when they take on the Western Mustangs for an OUA bronze medal. The match is set to get underway at 4:00 from Toronto.
