Kayla Goodhoofd Anchors Guelph Offense in Victory Over York!
NPH Top Performers
Guelph Gryphons
- Kayla Goodhoofd- 25 pts, 7 rbs, 2 stl
York Lions
- Nadia Qahwash- 16 pts, 4 rbs, 2 ast
TORONTO, ON–The Guelph Gryphons women’s team marched into the Lions den confident and came out on top with a 73-65 victory.
The game started with back and forth play with both teams playing strong defense. Guelph was getting their points in the key while the three-ball was clicking for the Lions. At the end of the first quarter though both teams were tied up at 17.
The second quarter was much different than the first as Guelph looked stronger. Strong play from Kayla Goodhoofd allowed the Gryphons to jump out to a lead, as the Gryphons outscored the Lions 14-5 in the second quarter.
The Lions were unable to get a point in the quarter until the late stages giving the Gryphons the momentum heading into the half.
Coach Pangos must have said something to get his team going as the Lions came out more aggressive in the third quarter.
York started the quarter on a 7-0 run with the three-ball working more consistently once again. Strong play was provided by Llyandra Kerr of the Lions, especially in the paint.
What seemed like a game that was slipping away from the Lions took a turn for the better, as York took a two-point lead going into the final quarter.
The Gryphons were relentless heading into the fourth quarter, as they jumped out to a 7-0 run. Three pointers were dropping for both teams, as the game remained close heading down the stretch.
With the score 68-65 in the late stages, York had one more opportunity to tie the game. Nadia Qahwash, who had a strong game for the Lions had a decent look for the tie, but came up short, giving the Lions no choice but to foul.
The Gryphons made all ten free throw opportunities in the game, including four clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.
In what was an exciting game from start to finish, coach Bill Pangos had nothing but positive things to say about his young team heading into the break.
“This league is tight,” said Pangos. We are going to have our fair share of close wins, and close losses. We just happened to be on the other side of the fence.”
Both the Gryphons and Lions have a 4-4 record, leaving both teams in the middle of the pack in their respective conferences heading into the break.
