(18/01/25) - Guelph, ON., The Queen's Gaels Women's Hockey team fall short 4-3 in a tough, yet well played, match against the Guelph Gryphons in an overtime shootout after winning in overtime the previous night against the Brock Badgers. Gaels goalie no. 1 Emma Tennant is on a defensive tear, saving 42 of 45 shots on goal the previous night, and 40 of 43 in regulation in this match against the Gryphons.  Seemingly impossible to out-fool, Tennant has been a juggernaut for the Gaels in their fight for a playoffs spot. Gaels no. 18 Sophie Hudson (Chemical Enginnering) scored three points to add to her season record this evening with two assists and a goal. Guelph carry a season record of 11-6 going into the game, second in the OUA West, and Queen's a record of 5-12 sixth in the OUA East. 

With only four minutes and 30 seconds on the ice, Hudson scores the games first goal by a deflection that bounced into the Gryphons net.  This is Hudson's fifth goal of the season, and was assisted by no. 10 Alyson Reeves (Commerce) and no. 27 Charlotte Melindy (Sociology). This is Reeves's first of two points scored. Less than a minute later, the Gryphons retaliate and score to tie the game 1-1 in the first five minutes of game-play.  On the Gaels first power-play of the evening and four minutes left in the first, no. 5 Kelsey Dunn (Kinesiology) scores her third goal of the year, bringing the Gaels back to a lead over the Gryphons, assisted by no. 13 Sarah Campbell (Law) and Hudson. The Gaels lead the Gryphons 11 to 7 in shots on goal going into the second period after a strong performance in the first.

With two Gaels sent to the box three minutes into the second, the Gryphons had a strong advantage over the Gaels. After multiple blocked opportunity's by Tennant, the Gaels pk beat the Gryphons power-play unit, maintaining their lead. Tennant blocked 8 shots through six minutes of play. The Gryphons were dominant in the Gaels zone throughout the second, and with just over a minute left in the period, the Gryphons score to bring the game to yet another tie 2-2. The Gryphons outshot the Gaels by 8 SOG, bringing the count to 25 to 17. 

Only 39 seconds out of the locker room, Reeves scores her 8th goal of the season, and 4th in five games against the Gryphons, taking back the Gaels lead 3-2 with a shot over the shoulder of Gryphons goalie. This goal was assisted yet again by Hudson. A tripping call sends the Gryphons into over-time play, although a tough and connected Gaels pk-unit draw out the 2 minute penalty. The Gryphons score the final point of regulation with only a minute and 15 seconds left on the ice, tying the game once again and sending the Gaels into overtime play.

With multiple chances by both opponents during overtime, neither Gaels nor Gryphons were able to come out victorious with a goal. The Gaels put up a strong offensive battle against the Gryphons but lost in the second round of shootouts. The Gaels put up a strong and momentous performance after their win the previous evening, although it was not enough to bring home another win for their weekend away.

Catch the Gaels Women's Hockey team next on Friday, January 24th at 7:30 PM against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks who are 7-10 for the season. Go Gaels Go!