This past weekend, the Waterloo Warriors squared off against the Guelph Gryphons in a pivotal two game series, once at Guelph and once on home turf at Warrior Field. Both matches were a display of resilience and determination as the Warriors fought to solidify their position in the OUA standings.

The Warriors opened the weekend at the Gryphons home field, where Guelph struck first with an early goal in the opening quarter. From there, the match settled into a defensive battle, with neither side able to score in a tightly contested second quarter. Both teams controlled possession at various points, but defensive blocks kept the game locked at 1-0 through the halftime break.

The Gryphons extended their lead early in the third quarter, but the Warriors responded quickly with a goal from Mary Lencz (Baden) to make it 2-1. However, Guelph reclaimed a two goal advantage later in the quarter, ending it with a 3-1 lead. In the final quarter, Warrior Meagan Hobson (Waterloo) found the back of the net, reducing the Gryphons lead to 3-2. The Warriors pressed hard in search of an equalizer, showing immense grit and energy, but time ran out before they could complete the comeback. The match ended in a hard-fought 3-2 loss for Waterloo.

After a close contest the day before, the Sunday rematch at Warrior Field promised to be just as thrilling. Guelph wasted no time, scoring within the first minute of play. They added another goal late in the first quarter, building a 2-0 lead that put the Warriors on their back foot early. The Gryphons extended their lead to 3-0 before Hobson answered with a crucial goal for the Warriors, narrowing the deficit to 3-1 as the first half concluded.

The second half was a relentless battle of possession, with both teams demonstrating their offensive and defensive strengths. Despite several promising advances by the Warriors, neither side could find the back of the net in the final two quarters. Waterloo goalkeeper Marielle Fernback (Guelph) made several key saves to keep the Warriors within striking distance, but Guelph's early lead proved insurmountable, as the match ended 3-1 in favor of the Gryphons.

With the weekend doubleheader wrapping up the Warriors regular season, Waterloo finishes with a 6-4 record, securing second place in the OUA Western Division. Next up, the Warriors will head to Toronto to compete in the OUA Field Hockey Championships at the Varsity Blues Back Campus Fields. The Warriors are set to play in the semifinals on Saturday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m., looking to build on their strong season performance and make a push for the OUA title.