Gryphons edged by Victoria in opening game of CIS Championship

Toronto, Ont. – The third-seeded Canada West Victoria Vikes opened the 2014 CIS-FHC field hockey championship with a 3-2 victory over the OUA silver medalist Guelph Gryphons on Thursday evening at the University of Toronto's Back Campus Fields.

Third-year forward and CIS all-Canadian Amanda Kurianowicz of Calgary notched two goals, including the game-winner, in the victory. Victoria held a 3-0 lead until the final 12 minutes of the match, but two quick goals from Guelph was all they could muster.

"It was a pretty good game for all of us until the last little bit, but for the most part it was a good way to kick off the tournament," said Kurianowicz. "We definitely had to take a breath and get our composure back."

It was the ninth time in as many appearances that the Gryphons took on the Vikes. Victoria, who have competed at 33-of-40 national championships, notched their fifth-ever win over Guelph on the national stage.

Kurianowicz opened the scoring in the third minute with a great shot from deep in the circle that floated over Gryphons goalkeeper Shinai Sorensen (Victoria).  
Guelph midfielder Danica Davies of Port Coquitlam, B.C, had a break in the 20th minute, but Victoria netminder Sheriden Goodmanson (Victoria) came out to challenge and made the save.

The Vikes extended their lead in the 33rd minute when fourth-year defender Alanna Macdonald of Coquitlam, B.C., tipped in a shot off a penalty corner opportunity. The Vikes led 2-0 at the half.

Kurianowicz scored early in the second, notching what would be the game-winner in the 37th minute.

Guelph finally got on the board when 2014 OUA rookie of the year Olivia Lane finished off a nice passing play to beat Goodmanson in the 58th minute.
The Gryphons brought the game within one when they were awarded a stroke in the 66th minute. Third-year forward Daniela Jelec of Mississauga, Ont., made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

Despite two late goals, the Gryphons were unable complete the comeback.

"We played a phenomenal game," said Michelle Turley, now in her 11th season as Gryphons head coach. "The early goal was what let us down. We needed to capitalize on all of our opportunities. My girls played fantastic. I couldn't have asked for more from them. To come back after being down three goals - it was a sensational and exciting finish."

Next up for the Gryphons (0-1) is a tilt with a Toronto Varsity Blues (0-0) in a repeat of last Sunday's OUA final, Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Vikes (1-0) take on the top-seeded and defending champion UBC Thunderbirds (0-0) in an all-Canada West battle at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on CIS-SIC.tv

Source: CIS