Gaels defeat Gryphons to continue season undefeated

The Gaels defeated the Guelph Gryphons 54-31 on Saturday afternoon at Nixon field. The stands were packed for the Gaels' second home game of the season against the reigning OUA champions. The Gaels displayed their depth, with their tries coming from seven different athletes, while Lizzie Gibson (Arts & Science) converted on 7 out of 8 tries.  

Early on in the match, the intensity could be felt from both benches. Ten minutes in, after multiple offensive efforts from the home team, they were able to power through Guelph's defensive line with their first try from Stephanie Douglas (Arts & Science). Gibson made the convert, bringing the Gaels up 7-0. Queen's kept their offensive momentum rolling, with Maxie Grant (Arts & Science) scoring their second try only four minutes later, followed by Tattyannah Jackson (Arts & Science) with the team's third try. Gibson converted on both tries, bringing the score to 21-0. With Queen's looking strong, Guelph began to fight back. The away team managed to sneak through the Queen's defensive line to make their first try, with Queen's still holding a 21-7 lead. The Gaels responded quickly, with winger Mika Matsukubo (Health Sciences) coming up with the team's fourth try and Gibson with the convert. In the dying seconds of the first half, Kyleigh Chandran (Arts & Science) scored a try, with Gibson's only missed convert of the game. 

The Gaels went into the second half with a comfortable 33-7 lead. Guelph took a penalty kick in the first minute to bring the score to 33-10. Queen's responded promptly with a great passing sequence that led to their sixth try of the game, scored by Chandran and Gibson came through with the convert. Guelph appeared to find a second wind, scoring two tries and converting on both, shrinking the Queen's lead to 40-24. Third year Jiggy Schonfeld (Kinesiology) scored their first try of the game on an impressive display of athleticism, running through half the Guelph team and bringing the score to 47-24 after Gibson converted the try. Madison Donnelly (Arts & Science) scored the home team's last try of the game, while Gibson proved consistent on the convert. The Gryphons managed to sneak one last try past the Gaels with three minutes left, however, Queen's had built themselves a comfortable lead and sealed the game 54-31. 

The Gaels will look forward to playing on the road against the Brock Badgers on Saturday, September 20th. They remain undefeated early in the season, with a 3-0-0 record, and will look to continue to improve their record.