Jan. 28: Guelph 3 – Ryerson 1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20)

GUELPH – The Guelph Gryphons took on the Ryerson Rams on January 28 at the W.F. Mitchell Centre. Although there were some shaky plays and close calls, the Gryphons still managed to come out on top with a 3-1 win. Set scores were 25-23, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20.

Statistically, this should have been an easy match for the Gryphons; the Rams are 10 points behind them in OUA standings. However, the Ryerson Rams proved to be a powerful opposition during this game. The Gryphons struggled in the beginning of the first set but soon pulled it together and the score began to move point by point. Near the end Guelph built a lead, but not long after the Rams caught back up. It seemed as though Guelph was losing control, but they still managed to pull out a 25-23 set score.  

The second set was rough for the Gryphons. Ryerson was determined to take this one as they fired attacks into the Guelph end. The score remained close between the two teams, but with the help of Brent Penrose's (Calgary, AB) defensive skills and Chris McLaughlin's (Ottawa, ON) kills, the Rams soon took the set 21-25.

The Gryphons entered the third set with a renewed sense of purpose. During the set there were some extraordinarily long rallies that went on between the two teams – most of which Guelph won, boosting confidence. Riley McAllister (Whitby, ON) and Andrew Revie (Guelph, ON) provided great defense for the Gryphons and Winston Rosser (Whitby, ON) and James Stamler (North Bay, ON) led the team with kills. The third set finished a confident 25-18.

The Gryphons started out strong in the fourth set and grew a six point lead, but soon McLaughlin and Luka Milosevic (Toronto, ON), starting building the score back up for the Rams. After a few tense moments near the end, the Gryphons secured the last few points and took the final set 25-20. 

The Gryphons were led by Winston Rosser with 16 total points (11 kills, 2 aces, and 12 digs) along with James Stamler with 14 total points (12 kills, 1 ace, 6 digs).  

As for the Rams, Chris McLaughlin led them with 20 total points (18 kills, 8 digs) along with Brett Penrose with 8 total points (5 kills, 3 digs).

The Gryphons play the York Lions next on January 29^th at the W.F. Mitchell Centre in Guelph. The game begins at 8pm.