TORONTO – The Guelph Gryphons field hockey team hasn't had to score many goals to come out on top of games through the midway point of the OUA season. But the game-winner in a 2-0 victory over Western in Toronto last Sunday was a memorable one. Second-year midfielder Danielle Crumpton had one of the goals of the year to help the Gryphons get back on the winning track.
Crumpton, playing her first season with the Gryphons after transferring from York two years ago, ran almost the length of the field and scored in the 31st minute to give Guelph all the offence it would need against the Mustangs. Gryphons' goalie Morgan Kelley made a clear and the ball came out of the circle to Crumpton, who redirected it past a player and then had to beat another Western defender at the 50-yard line.
"She ran 75 yards with the ball, at a sprint," said Gryphons' coach Michelle Turley. "The goalkeeper came out and she pulled left and slipped the ball behind her.
"It was definitely a highlight of the year goal."
Kelley picked up a rare first assist on the play. Midfielder Rudi Ballard would add an insurance goal in the 56th minute to help Guelph improve to 3-1-2 on the season.
Turley was pleased with the win but clear that the Gryphons have to continue to set the standards higher each game beginning with an important upcoming week.
"We need to execute what we've practiced - our first touches, move the ball quickly and recognize when to utilize certain skills," she said of the focal points heading into the second half of the season. "We need to push our limits. "
Guelph has had to make some adjustments while missing impact players. Katherine MacMillan, the third highest scorer in the country last year with 12 goals, is unfortunately out for the season with a torn ACL. And highly-touted rookie MacKenzie Janzen was unavailable last match.
The Gryphons sit in second place in the OUA behind York, which has won its first seven games, including a 3-1 win over Guelph on Sept. 24. The Gryphons play Waterloo Friday, Oct. 6 and then get another crack at York next Wednesday, Oct. 11 when they host the Lions.
