The Guelph Gryphons men's lacrosse team won the 23rd Baggataway Cup and became the new Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Champions in a 14-9 victory over the McGill University Redmen this afternoon in Hamilton.

This is the third overall championship title for the Gryphons, after winning in 1995 and 2000. Gryphons head coach Sam Kosakowski has lead the Gryphons to each of the three championship titles.

"It's still a surreal feeling," commented Kosakowski after the game. "Watching them hoist the cup was a great feeling; they all played their hearts out there today."

Guelph was led by attacker Braden Gallant (Burlington, Ont.) who scored three goals and three assists. Guelph turned on the jets and pulled ahead of McGill after the Redmen had an impressive first quarter where they led the Gryphons 4-2. Attackman Jason Mainer (Orillia, Ont.) of Guelph was awarded the UnderArmor Player of the Game Award for his gritty performance of four goals and one assist.

Although the Redmen showed a stiff defensive backbone in the second quarter, they were no match for Guelph's high powered offense which scored six of their goals in the second quarter alone.

"We peaked at the right time this season," commented Kosakowski. "We were outstanding today on both ends of the fields. We played smart and made good decisions."

It was bittersweet for seven veterans who will graduate this season including Jay Thorimbert, Michael Mirski, Matt Cremasco, Brett Skyvington, Bryan Trush, Cam Munroe and Eric Fishleigh.

Guelph defeated Trent, 12-7 in the semi-finals yesterday to earn a berth to the Championship game. Meanwhile the Redmen beat the Brock Badgers 13-9, eliminating the reigning 6-time champions from the Baggataway Cup tournament. Overall the Gryphons finished the season 11-2.