Game Summaries

Sunday, November 13 - Baggataway Cup Final - Brock 14 - Guelph 7

The men’s lacrosse 2005 season came to an end on Sunday with a 14-7 loss to Brock in the Baggataway Cup.

The Gryphons, unable to capitalize on a couple of early opportunities, found themselves down 2-0 early in the opening quarter. Then, after some uncharacteristically undisciplined play, the Gryphons took several penalties that Brock was able to convert upon. By the end of the first quarter, the Gryphons found themselves facing a 5-1 deficit.

The Gryphons settled down somewhat in the second quarter. The power play took advantage of a couple of opportunities and the defense started to play tougher. Despite their efforts however, Guelph was down 8-3 at the half and would start the second half with a man disadvantage.

Led by some great goaltending from Gryphon net-minder Chris Bloom, Guelph’s man down unit gave the Gryphons a boost as they killed the Brock penalty that started the second half. Shortly thereafter, Guelph scored its 4th goal but Brock quickly responded with two of its own extending their lead to 10-4 by the end of the third quarter.

Early in the final quarter, Brock took several penalties that the Gryphons were able to capitalize upon. After scoring three unanswered goals Guelph began to gain some momentum. However, after the Gryphons missed an opportunity to score their eighth goal and narrow the deficit to 2, Brock took the loose ball and converted the transition opportunity into their 11th goal and in so doing, took away the Gryphon momentum.

Guelph tried to pressure Brock in the final quarter but their aggressive play resulted in more penalties that Brock was able to take advantage off.

While it ended in a disappointing fashion, the Gryphon 2005 season was a great success for the men’s lacrosse team. Their overall record of 8-3 was their best since 2000 when they last won the Baggataway Cup. Guelph’s depth was their strength and it showed in this year’s Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association awards.

Longstick defenseman Joel Sinopoli was named the league’s most valuable defenseman and was named a first team all star. Other all stars include: goaltender Chris Bloom, midfielder Jay Thorimbert, and attackmen Cam Monroe and Jason Mainer. Mainer, a rookie, was the finalist as rookie of the year.

Saturday, November 12 - Semi Final - Guelph 11 - Western 6

The men’s lacrosse team advanced to the 2005 Baggataway Cup today, with an 11-6 semi-final victory over the Western Mustangs. Having avenged their earlier regular season loss to the Mustangs, the Gryphons will now play in the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Championship for the first time since 2000, the last time that Guelph won the Cup.

Guelph started their semi-final slowly and found themselves down 2-0 early. With 3 minutes left in the quarter, Western took the first of two penalties. On each power play, Gryphon attackman Cam Monroe fired a laser-like bullet from the top of the power and the teams entered the second quarter tied at 2.

Two minutes into the period, Western regained the lead; a lead they would hold for the last time. Despite spending the morning at a Toronto Rock tryout, Cam Monroe showed no signs of fatigue as he then assisted on goals from Geoff Tiffin and Jason Mainer. Midfielder Clare Donnelly, in an extreme show of speed and finesse, put the Gryphons 2 goals ahead after running through most of Western’s defense unassisted. Western found the Gryphon net once more to close the gap to a 5-4 Gryphon lead at half-time.

The second half was all Guelph. The defense shut down the advancing Western attack, and Gryphon goalie Chris Bloom stood on his head to keep the Mustangs scoreless in the 3rd quarter. A power play goal from Brian Rea and a sweet tight-angle bounce shot from Jay Thorimbert put the Gryphons up by 3 goals.

Western would get within two in the final quarter but were unable to mount any further comeback. As they did in the league game earlier in the season, Western resorted to calling for stick checks after the next three Gryphon goals. All the Gryphon sticks were legal this time, resulting in Gryphon possessions following the goals. Toward the end of the game, with Western pressing all over the field, rookie Gryphon midfielder Scott Fitchett dazzled the crowd with a nifty display on fakes that left two Mustang defenders in search of their undergarments and the goalie on the ground looking back at the ball in the net.
Rounding out the scoring for the Gryphons were Cam Monroe, Brian Rea, Jason Mainer and Jay Thorimbert with 2 each and Clare Donnelly, Geoff Tiffin and Scotty Fitchett with one each.

The Gryphons will look to break their 4-year championship drought as they face off against the Brock Badgers in the Baggataway Cup final on Sunday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton. The game marks the 6th time the two teams have met the Baggataway Cup final over the past decade

REGULAR SEASON

September 17 - Guelph 14 - Toronto 4

The Gryphon’s opened their 2005 campaign with a decisive victory over Toronto. Guelph got off to a start reminiscent of their quarter final match up against Toronto in the 2004 Baggataway Cup…when the Gryphons dominated the first few minutes of play but could not capitalize on opportunities. Guelph went on to lose that game.

This time, Guelph hit 4 posts on their first 5 shots and there was an uneasy feeling on the Gryphon sideline. However, after Guelph finally found the mark at 9:28 on a goal from Chris Stewart, they never looked back.

Guelph lead 3-0 after the first, 7-1 at half and 12-1 going into the final frame. Apart from a bit of a letdown in the 4th quarter, Guelph’s defense dominated play in their zone, easily controlling the Blues’ attack and midfield.

Cam Monroe lead all scorers with 4 goals and 3 assists. His two attack partners, Brian Rea and rookie Jason Mainer had 3 each to account for most of Guelph’s scoring.

September 18 - Guelph 12 - Bishop's 8

Guelph’s 2005 home opener would be the first time the Gryphons have met the Bishop’s Gaiters in regular season play. Bishop’s, after joining the league only 4 years ago, have been a dominant force in the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association, finishing second in each year of competition.

The Gryphons felt the jitters as the Gaiters controlled the ball on offense for the first 10 minutes of the 1st quarter. In fact, not once in those 10 minutes did Guelph get an offensive opportunity…and they found themselves down 2-0. Guelph didn’t panic and battled back to tie the game on an absolute laser to the top corner from Cam Monroe as he stepped just inside the restraining line. The momentum began to swing.

Guelph scored again before the end of the first and lead 3-2 going into the second quarter. The teams traded goals and the Gryphons lead 5-4 at halftime.

Once again, Guelph’s defense was dominant, pressuring and sliding and delivering solid checks. Late in the 3rd quarter, a Bishop’s attackman found himself wide open on the crease but as he looked back for the pass, Gryphon goalie Chris Bloom pasted him with a crushing body check as he turned to the net.

Leading 8-6 going into the final frame, the Gryphons slowed down the tempo and Bishop’s began to get anxious. The Gaiters took several penalties which Guelph took full advantage of.

The win gets the Gryphons off to a solid 2-0 start to the season and a sense for good things to come in the future.

September 23 - Guelph 12 - McGill 5

With a decisive 12-5 victory over the McGill Redmen on Sunday, the men's lacrosse team extended their 2005 win streak to 3. Guelph dominated from the opening face off, keeping the ball in McGill's end for most of opening quarter. When McGill did obtain possession, the Gryphon defense gave little room for the Redmen to maneuver, forcing turnover after
turnover. So dominant was the Gryphon squad that McGill did not get on the scoreboard until the 13:42 mark of the 2nd quarter. By that time, Guelph had opened up sizable 7-1 lead and would not look back.

The Gryphons displayed remarkable poise throughout the contest, taking only 2 penalties despite playing aggressive, punishing defense. The defensive effort was so strong that McGill did not record a shot on one of their power play opportunities. In transition, Guelph won over 80% of loose balls and recorded few turnovers.

Second year attackman Brian Rea lead the Gryphons with 5 goals, followed by rookie Jason Mainer with 2 goals and 1 assist. Rookie midfielders Scott Fitchett, BJ Trush and Mike Cameron each added a single while veterans Chris Stewart and Cam Monroe also contributed 1 apiece.

October 13 - Guelph 10 – McMaster 6

Coming off a two week layoff, the 3-0 men’s lacrosse team was back in action against the 1-3 McMaster Marauders.

Despite their often poor decision making and careless execution on offense and defense, the Gryphons were able to fight through penalties and momentum swings to maintain a tenuous lead for the first 2 quarters of the game. The turning point came midway through the 3rd quarter when the Gryphons seemingly opened up a 4 goal lead on an outside shot from midfielder Clare Donnelly. However, Donnelly’s goal was nullified as a result of an illegal stick call and McMaster found itself with a 3 minute man advantage. The Gryphon defense flexed its muscles and held the Marauders to 1 goal over the 3 minute power play. Buoyed by the momentum of the crucial penalty kill, Guelph was able to take full control for the remainder of the game on their way to a 10-6 victory.

In his first start this season, second year goalie Mike Mirski, had a solid game between the pipes for the Gryphons. The Gryphon offense continued its balanced attack, with 2 goals each from rookies Scott Fitchett and Jason Mainer and veterans Cam Monroe, Brian Rea and Chris Stewart. Fitchett also tallied 5 assists to lead all scorers with 7 points.

The Gryphons continue their road swing this Saturday and Sunday vs Queen's and Carleton respectively.

October 15 - Guelph 11 - Queen's 7

At Queen’s the Gryphons dominated the Gaels in the first half, outscoring them 6-0 in the first quarter and 2-1 in the second to take an 8-1 lead at half. The second half was a different game. The Gryphons lost focus and discipline, allowing the Gaels to claw their way back to make the game close. Fortunately for the Gryphons, the 7 goal cushion they built in the first half proved too much for Queen’s to overcome.

Both Chris Bloom and Mike Mirski, Guelph’s goaltending tandem, had strong performances between the pipes. Rookies Mike Schenkel and Dillon Spencer stepped in on longstick defence and played well.

Eight players contributed to Guelph’s scoring. Jason Mainer lead the Gryphons with 3 goals and 2 assists followed by Cam Monroe with 2 and 2 and Scott Fitchett with 1 and 3. Also adding singles for Guelph were Brian Rea, Geoff Tiffin and Chris Stewart.

October 16 - Guelph 11 - Carleton 7

Playing in their 3rd game in 4 days, it looked like fatigue took its toll on the Gryphons as they faced the Carleton Ravens on Sunday. Unusually impatient on offence and a step behind on defence, the Gryphons found themselves down 3-1 after a quarter and a half. Guelph could easily have been down by more were in not for the outstanding play of Gryphon goalie Chris Bloom.

Midway through the 2nd quarter however, the game’s momentum began to change as the Gryphons found their step. The defence began to force turnovers and the offence began to capitalize on its chances, scoring 4 unanswered goals to end the half.

Leading 5-3 to start the 2nd half, Guelph continued to dominate. With less than a minute gone in the half, Cam Monroe fired a laser past the Raven net-minder. By the quarter’s end, Guelph had opened up a 9-4 lead, a lead they would not relinquish on their way to the 10-7 win.

Brian Rea had 5 goals and an assist for the Gryphons while Cam Monroe tallied 3 goals and 2 assists. Jason Mainer, Chris Stewart and Scott Fitchett added singles.

October 23 - Guelph 7 - Brock 11

Every time Brock and Guelph meet, in regular season or playoff play, the teams provide and exciting lacrosse game for the several hundred fans who are usually on-hand. This contest was no different.

This game, the only regular season match-up between the teams this year, was a battle for first place. Brock, after losing its first game in 5 years to Bishop's last week, was ready to bounce back against the Gryphons.

The first half was chalk full of opportunities for both teams and both goalies were tough between the pipes. Guelph was unable to capitalize on many close-in chances and as a result, held only 4-3 lead at the half.

The second half however, was a different story. Guelph's defense began to break down and Brock's offense began to click. Brock dominated on the power play while Guelph only managed power play goal in 9 opportunities. While Chris Bloom, in the net for Guelph, continued his stellar play, he could only do so much to keep the Gryphons in the game.

Brock outscored Guelph 8-3 in the second half to seal the win, and first place, for themselves.

October 28 - Guelph 7 - Western 10

On Friday night, the Gryphons faced the Western Mustangs at Western, a game that would determine 2nd place and have significant playoff implications for both teams.

Guelph found its rhythm early, opening up a 3-1 lead after the first quarter. The Gryphons continued to control the game through the second quarter but with less than 10 seconds remaining in the half, Western scored a power play goal that gave the Mustangs some momentum to start the 3rd quarter.

With a 6-3 lead, the Gryphons went flat to start the second half, allowing Western 4 unanswered goals and a 1 goal lead going into the final quarter. Early in the 4th , Scott Fitchett tied the game for the Gryphons and shortly thereafter, Guelph seemingly took the lead on a goal from midfielder Julian Verity. The goal was subsequently disallowed when Western requested a stick check on the Verity’s stick and the stick was determined to have too deep a pocket. Guelph never got itself back on track and went on to lose 10-7.

Later in the game as Guelph tried to mount a comeback, Western again successfully requested a stick measurement that resulted in another disallowed goal and a 3 minute penalty for the Gyphons.

As a result of the loss, the Gryphons can finish no higher than 3rd place in the CUFLA standings.

October 30 - Guelph 24 - Laurier 1

On Sunday, Guelph ended regular season play with a whopping 24-1 win over Laurier. The game was never a contest as the Gryphons dominated in every aspect of the game. Mike Mirski had a solid performance in goal for the Gryphons as the defense of Matt Cremasco, Mike Schenkel, Brent Millar, Jake Sheehan and Dillon Spencer limited any Laurier attack

The Gryphons end their 2005 campaign with a 7-2 regular season record; a record that earned them 3rd place overall and a birth in ¼ finals. Guelph will host the 6th place Carleton Ravens on Sunday, November 6 at 1pm. The two teams met just 2 weeks ago at Carleton where the Gryphons managed an 11-7 win over the Ravens.

Carleton will likely be hungry to avenge the loss while the Gryphons, who have not been in top form of late, will look to hand the Ravens another loss.

The winner will go on to meet the Western Mustangs in the semi final of the Baggataway Cup championship on November 12-13.

November 5 - Guelph 14 - Carleton 6

The 7-2 Men’s Lacrosse team hosted the 5-4 Carleton Ravens in 1/4 final action on the weekend.. The Gryphons got off to a strong start but it wasn’t until the 12:40 mark that Brian Rea opened the game’s scoring with an unassisted power play goal. Shortly thereafter the Ravens evened the score on a power play of their own. The action went back and forth and the teams traded another goal each to end the quarter tied at 2.

In the second quarter the Gryphons started to distance themselves from their opponent, scoring twice before Carleton found the net again and then once more to end the half with a 5-3 lead.

Guelph rookie attackman Jason Mainer tickled the twine less than a minute into the third quarter and then again 3 minutes later and the Gryphons began to pull away. The Ravens threatened late in the 3^rd when they scored on a delayed penalty and still had the full one minute power play to follow. However, Gryphon drawman Geoff Tiffin won the ensuing face off and the Gryphons got the ball down to Brian Rea who danced his way through the Raven defense killing most of the penalty and any hope for a Raven comeback.

Guelph dominated the final quarter, scoring almost at will, resulting in a 14 – 6 victory for the Gryphons. Defensively, Brent Millar and Sean Kerr stepped into key roles as the Guelph defense was without two starters; Eric Fishleigh and Patrick Lloyd. On the offensive side, Jason Mainer pocketed 5 goals and an assist to lead all scorers in the game, followed by cam Monroe with 3 goals, Scott Fitchett and Brian Rea with two and Jay Thormibert and Paul Ryan with one each.

The win moves the Gryphons one step closer to the coveted Baggataway Cup, the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Championship. Guelph will meet the Western Mustangs in the semi-final next Saturday, November 12 at 7pm at University Stadium in Waterloo.