Guelph, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphon's women's soccer team defeated the Windsor Lancer's 3-0 at the Gryphon Soccer Complex on Wednesday in their first playoff game of the year. The win advances the Gryphon's to the OUA quarterfinals.
 
The Gryphon's had an extremely strong opening half. Courtney Whiteside continued her strong regular season play into the playoffs by opening the scoring for the Gryphon's in the 23rd minute. Goalie Megan Klimas stopped all four Lancer shots to hold Windsor scoreless in the half. Guelph pummeled the Lancer defense, landing 11 shots on net in the opening frame. At the end of the half Guelph led 1-0.
 
The second half was a lot more chippy than the first as aggressive play from both squads led to some hard challenges. Victoria Cadman was almost rewarded for her stellar play in the 53rd minute when she streaked down the left side past her defender and fired a shot on goal. The Lancer goalie managed to make a save on the play.
 
Courtney Whiteside scored her second of the game in the 59th minute. Jennifer Dunn crossed the ball over from the right side and Whiteside was able to convert on the rebound. Guelph nearly added to their lead in the 63rd minute when Victoria Cadman headed in a Courtney Whiteside cross. However Cadman was just offside on the play and the goal was disallowed.
 
The Gryphon's continued to apply pressure to the Lancer defense. A mad flurry in the Lancer box led to multiple shots on goal, but Windsor was able to survive unscathed.
 
Erica Bain had multiple excellent runs including one in the 71st minute when she was sent on a breakaway but the Windsor keeper made the stop. Courtney Whiteside had a golden opportunity to complete the hat trick on a breakaway but she was ultimately shut down. Whiteside was not to be denied as she finally potted her third shortly thereafter for the natural hat trick. The game ended in a 3-0 victory for the Gryphon's.
 
The Gryphons advance to the OUA quarterfinals where they will face the Western Mustangs. Western will host the playoff game on October 27th at 12:30 p.m.