Historical season comes to an end in game 3 loss to Gryphons

Box Score Photo by: Karyn Stepien

Waterloo's historic season came to an end on Sunday afternoon in Guelph as the Gryphons got the better of the Warriors 4-1 in game 3 of the OUA semifinals. It was a season to remember for women's hockey and when the 24 Warriors look back on the season they will all have fond memories of their magical run.

You made us all very proud girls. A season for the history books. Thanks for the memories and all the best to our graduating seniors! ????
— Waterloo Warriors (@WlooWarriors) March 5, 2017

"It was a fantastic season, we were one bounce away from forcing overtime in game 3 against the top team in the country," said head coach Shaun Reagan. "It hurts now but I know the coaching staff and the girls will look back and be proud of what we accomplished this year."

It was the first time in program history the Warriors advanced past the second round and as coach Reagan mentioned, they were one or two bounces away from reaching the OUA McCaw Cup.

Guelph opened the scoring as Kelly Gribbons one-timed home a shot in the slot on the power play at 14:24 of the first. The Gryphons made it 2-0 before the opening period expired as Kaitlin Lowy finished off a 2-on-1 with Claire Merrick.

Down a pair in the middle frame, Waterloo came out firing on all cylinders. Marissa Redmond (Ajax) found herself on a breakaway in the early going but Valerie Lamenta's glove took away a sure goal. Redmond would however find redemption as the fifth year worked an effective cycle with line-mate Angela MacDonald (Kitchener) giving her space out front. Redmond made a nice spin move and ripped the shot past Lamenta on the blocker side to cut into Guelph's lead. Michelle Tanel (Toronto) picked up the second helper.

The game would go into the final period with Waterloo down 2-1 and the black and gold continued to pour on the pressure with the best chance coming off the stick of Rachel Marriott (Waterloo) in the slot but Lamenta made a big shoulder save. Sophie Contant put the game out of reach with just 1:15 remaining, on a brekaway while Claire Merrick added an empty netter to give Guelph the 4-1 win.

The Gryphons will now host Nipissing for the McCaw Cup next Saturday with the winner advancing to the U SPORTS Championship the following weekend in Kingston.

Waterloo should be extremely proud of their efforts against the No. 1 Gryphons and have a very bright future ahead.

@WlooWarriors Hold your heads high ladies. Definitely another step forward for this program! @WlooReagan
— Roly Webster (@rolywebster) March 5, 2017

Congrats to @WlooWarriors women's @OUAsport hockey team on an outstanding season. Amazing where this program has come in the past few years.
— Randy Steinman (@RandyCTV) March 5, 2017

Congrats Women Warriors on an outstanding season. The future is bright. You will be champions! @WlooWarriors @WlooReagan
— Mary Ann Vaughan (@mavaughan54) March 5, 2017

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