GUELPH, ON - Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Stadium, the Gryphons women's soccer team improved to 6-2-3 (wins-losses-draws) on the season after earning a 1-0 victory over the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks (4-3-5).

After sweeping the Algoma Thunderbirds on the weekend, the Gryphons were able to carry that momentum into Wednesday afternoon's matchup with Laurier where a goal from substitute Hayley Howes in the 65th minute of play would ultimately prove to be the difference. The Gryphons were fortunate not to be trailing in the match after Laurier came close during the early stages of the second half when a long range shot hit the bar. The Gryphons, who had several good scoring chances themselves in the second half, were able to find the break through in the 66th minute on a goal from second year striker Hayley Howes. For Howes, it marked her second goal of the season, both of which have been game-winners. Back on September 14th, Howes scored a late winner on the road in a 2-1 victory over McMaster. Her goal on Wednesday secured a huge three points for the fourth-place Gryphons who, with that win, now sit four points ahead of fifth-place Laurier in the OUA West standings. The Gryphons also sit just one point back of Windsor and four points back of Western and will face the Lancers and Mustangs at home to end the regular season. Gryphon keeper Libby Brenneman recorded her fifth clean sheet of the season, the second-highest total in the OUA behind only York keeper Taylor Grant who has six shutouts.

Up next for the Gryphons however, a Friday night home matchup versus the winless Waterloo Warriors (0-9-2). Kickoff at the Gryphon Soccer Complex is set for 8:15pm.