The Guelph Gryphon women's hockey team gave up an early lead this afternoon (Oct. 8) at the Gryphons Centre,  falling 3-4 to visitors, UOIT Ridgebacks.
 
The Gryphons drop to 1-1 while UOIT advance to 1-1.
 
The Gryphons took the lead early in the first period with a power play goal by Jessica Pinkerton (Oshawa, ON) with help from line-mate Jenna Lanzarotta (Mississauga, ON). Carley Nisbett (Lindsey, ON) quickly evened the score, taking advantage of a Gryphon's hooking penalty, with assists by Vanessa Johnstone (Niagara Falls, ON) and Jaclyn Gibson (Cobourg, ON).
 
Fifty seconds into the second period, GryphonEmily Corbett(Toronto, ON) coverts a centred pass from Captain, Tamara Bell (Guelph, ON) to advance the score 2-1 in Guelph's favor.
 
The Ridgebacks stepped up their game late in the second period; evening the shot count and applying ample pressure on Gryphon goal tender Brooke Siddall (Windsor, ON), but a strong defencive effort and solid netminding allowed Guleph to maintain the lead.
 
The Gryphons widened their lead, early in the third period with a beautiful, top shelf goal by Leigh Shilton (Belleville, ON), assisted by Kandace Charbonneau (Guelph, ON) and Erin Small(Pickering, ON). The Ridgebacks replied seventy-six seconds later with a goal from Jill Morillo (Whitby, ON), assisted by Nisbett.
 
UOIT tied the game early in the third period with a goal from forward, Rikki Palmateer (Cobourg, ON), assisted by line-mate Melissa Berney (Bowmanville, ON) and Morillo. The Gryphons had a few solid chances to take back the lead, but poor stick handling and strong UOIT defence prevented the Gryphons from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
 
UOIT forward, Jaclyn Gibson snuck in a late goal, assisted by Churley and Katie Gordanier (Gananoque, ON) near the end of the final period, and would hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game. The Gryphons made an attempt to rally back, but were unable to score in the final minutes of the game.
 
The Guelph Gryphons hit the road to face the Mustangs Friday, October 14. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.