WATERLOO, Ont. - Coming off their first win of the season on Saturday, the Golden Hawks were unable to ride the momentum to victory over the #9 Guelph Gryphons Wednesday night. While Laurier at times matched Guelph shot for shot, a few big runs by the Gryphons kept this game from being close, with the final score 79-48. 

It was the Golden Hawks who jumped out to an early lead, going on a 7-2 run to start the game. Guelph quickly responded with a run of their own, however. They scored 21 consecutive points, with 13 of those coming off Laurier turnovers. The Golden Hawks were able to close out the quarter with seven straight points to cut the lead to 23-14. 

Laurier's defence kept the game close through the first five minutes of the second quarter, but shooting struggles at the other end kept them from gaining any momentum. The Golden Hawks made just two of their 11 attempts from the field in the frame, and none of their four free throws. 

A 14-0 run from the Gryphons pushed the lead to 44-22 at halftime. 

The third quarter was more even, with Guelph only able to extend their lead by one. Six of Laurier's 13 points in the frame came from Cassidy Hirtle, who co-led the team in both points (eight) and rebounds (five). 

Leading 58-35 heading into the fourth, the Gryphons put the game away with a 19-1 run to open the quarter. 

"I think we've got to put this one behind us pretty quick because we don't have much time before Saturday," said Manager of Women's Basketball Operations and Head Coach Paul Falco. 

"And I think we have to learn from what we didn't do. We didn't take care of the ball. We gave up too many inside baskets, which was one of our goals to take that away. So we have to clean that up and then really bounce back because the game up in Thunder Bay is going to be important." 

With the loss, the Golden Hawks fall to 1-4 on the season while the Gryphons improve to 3-0. 

TOP PERFORMERS 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

First-year guard Brittyn Graves matched Hirtle with a team-high eight points, while also recording a block and three steals. 

"She's learning every day and she's looking healthier now," said Falco. "She was not 100% a couple of weeks ago, but now is starting to find her groove again. She has been a great addition to the team this year." 

Guelph Gryphons 

Second-year guard Renee Armstrong led her team in both rebounds (eight) and assists (six), while also recording 12 points and two steals. 

UP NEXT 

The Golden Hawks will be back in action Saturday, November 19 at 6 p.m., when they'll be in Thunder Bay to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves. Follow @WLUAthletics for live updates and watch live on OUA.tv.