WATERLOO, Ont. – Laurier's women's hockey team faced the Guelph Gryphons on home ice for their last game of the season on Saturday looking to avenge their loss from their mid-week match-up. It was mission accomplished as the Golden Hawks held on for a 1-0 victory over the second-place team in the OUA West.

Before the game began, Laurier's five graduating players were honoured for their dedication to the program. They included Cohen Myers, Kaitlin Saxton, Emily Visser, Claire O'Donoghue, and Rebecca Hall. Each player's loved ones joined them on the ice to show their support and make the moment even more special. 

The first period was relatively evenly matched but highly intense.

The Golden Hawks had some solid chances on Guelph goaltender Alexandrea Davidson, who was able to effectively protect her net in the first period. 

On the other end of the ice, Myers also made some excellent saves to keep things scoreless. The shots were 6-5 for Guelph after the opening 20 minutes, reflecting the equally hard-working teams. 

The second period had a similar result; remaining scoreless, but with the Gryphons getting a few more shots off than the Hawks. Not surprisingly, Myers was outstanding in net, flying across her crease to keep the puck out of her net. 

Things started to heat up as the third period began, with both teams hungry to open the scoring and take the lead. Arielle MacDonald had a beautiful scoring attempt that was rung off the iron and sparked the momentum for the Hawks.

The Gryphons took the first penalty of the game, giving Laurier a powerplay they would use to their advantage. 

On the advantage Emily Visser scored on a rocket of a shot, which went top-shelf off an excellent pass from Elle Spencer (Richmond, Ont.), to give Laurier a 1-0 lead. Visser was able to total seven points this season, which led the Golden Hawks. 

There was an evident shift in momentum in which the Hawks were able to put immense pressure on the Gryphons' defensive unit. In a last resort attempt to make a comeback, Guelph pulled Davidson from the net with 45 seconds remaining in the game. 

Laurier held strong though to secure the shutout win.

Manager of Women's Hockey Operations & Head Coach Head Coach Kelly Paton felt that how her team played was a great way to finish off the season, especially for those who will be ending their time as a Golden Hawk. 

"I think that's a memory that they'll keep with them, and they'll be able to celebrate that as a group." 

Top Performers
Golden Hawks
F - Emily Visser
Scoring her third of the season, along with four assists, Visser finished her career as a Golden Hawk with the highest points on the Laurier roster this season. 

G - Cohen Myers
Standing as a brick wall in net and moving at lightning speed to stop the puck from entering her net, Myers has continuously failed to disappoint and has been the backbone of the team during her time with the Hawks.  

Gryphons
G - Alexandrea Davidson
Saving a lot of tough shots from the Hawks, Davidson kept the Gryphons in the game.