GUELPH, Ont. – As the Guelph Gryphons women's soccer team approaches the stretch run of the 2018 OUA regular season schedule, the focus will be on securing a spot in the top two in the OUA West standings. Thanks to Friday night's result versus York, the Gryphons took yet another step closer to making that goal a reality.
 
Third-year midfielder Danielle Sauve scored the game's lone goal in the 30th minute to propel the Gryphons to a 1-0 victory over the visiting York Lions on a cool October night at the Gryphon Soccer Complex. With the win, the Gryphons move into top spot in the OUA West standings, one point ahead of the Western Mustangs with three matches remaining in the regular season schedule.
 
"Danielle has grown so much from her first year to her third," says Gryphons head coach Shayne Campbell.
 
"She plays so hard every minute that she's out there. She defends diligently and, this year, she's found ways to get forward, which is what we've asked her to do more of. We want her to use her speed and athleticism to join in more. She's a really versatile player for us."
 
On Friday night, Sauve's versatility resulted in a highlight-worthy goal. After a great ball from Jenna Holtz allowed Victoria Hinchliffe to get in behind the York back line, Hinchliffe would intelligently lay the ball back for Sauve. From about five yards outside the 18-yard box, Sauve would connect beautifully on a first-time, right-footed strike that curled its way into the top, left corner of the York net to give the Gryphons the 1-0 lead.
 
In 2nd half, the Lions would push hard for an equalizer, but ultimately the Gryphons would withstand the waves of attack, thanks in part to a great save by OUA all-star goalie Libby Brenneman in the 70th minute. Brenneman's clean sheet Friday night marked her 8th shutout of the season, tying her for the OUA lead with Western keeper Megan Girardi.
 
Friday night's result also meant that the Gryphons completed their regular season home schedule without conceding a single goal on their home field. The Gryphons have allowed just two goals in 13 games played. No team in the OUA has been better defensively. 

Friday's game also marked the Gryphons' breast cancer awareness game. The Gryphons' support of breast cancer awareness continues throughout October with several"Think Pink" games, including Saturday's football versus U of T (Oct. 13) as well as field hockey (Oct. 17) and basketball's "Shoot for the Cure" games on October 24.
 
The Record
Guelph is 9-1-3.
 
Next up
Laurier, Sunday, Oct. 14, 1pm @ University Stadium (Waterloo, ON)