GUELPH, Ont. - Third-year forward Olivia Brown added to another strong campaign in 2023, scoring in the 17th and 26th minute to help lift the Gryphons over the Algoma Thunderbirds on Friday night at the Gryphon Soccer Complex. Brown's first score of the match, which ultimatelt became the game-winner followed a corner kick from Guelph captain Sydney VanderHoef, who was also busy, taking four corners in the first half. VanderHoef also registered a pair of scoring chances in the 3-0 win. 

The game's second goal was scored by second-year Olivia Rizakos who doubled her goals on the season to make it a 2-0 game in the 19th minute. Rookie goalkeeper Sabrina Spano earned her fourth shutout of the season, stopping the only shot registered by the Thunderbirds. 

The Gryphons now possess a 7-2-2 record (wins-losses-draws) and trail the McMaster Marauders by 3 points with just one game remaining on the regular season schedule. The Gryphons are in search of the 2nd-seed in OUA playoffs and a first round bye which is currently held by the Marauders. The Gryphons will take on the Thunderbirds again tomorrow at 1pm while McMaster faces off with the 1st-place Western Mustangs on Sunday. 

The OUA women's soccer playoffs officially get underway on Wednesday, October 25 with the preliminary round. If the Gryphons are able to secure the opening-round bye they will open their 2023 postseason in the quarterfinal round on Saturday, October 28.