GUELPH, Ont. – The Laurier Golden Hawks bounced back to earn their first victory of the 2026 OUA campaign, splitting a pair of games with the Guelph Gryphons at Hastings Stadium on Sunday.
After being limited to just two hits in game one, the Golden Hawks responded with nine hits and a dominant pitching performance in game two to finish the weekend on a positive note.
The Gryphons struck early in the opener, scoring once in the first inning before adding two more runs in the second to build a 3-0 lead. Laurier's pitching staff settled in from there, holding Guelph scoreless over the final five innings, but the Hawks were unable to solve Gryphons starter Daniel Meron.
Griffen Duenkler and
Cameron Bendo recorded Laurier's lone hits, while
Liam Conlin turned in four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits while striking out two. The Golden Hawks were sharp defensively, committing no errors in the contest.
Laurier wasted little time turning the page.
The Hawks opened the scoring in the first inning when Duenkler delivered an RBI single before extending their advantage in the third.
John Banks doubled home a run, and Bendo added a sacrifice fly, helping Laurier build a 3-0 cushion.
The offence continued to roll as the Golden Hawks pulled away for a convincing 7-1 victory to secure their first win of the season.
Aiden Tonge was outstanding on the mound, holding the Gryphons hitless through 4.2 innings while striking out four.
Graham Taylor came on in relief to help close out the victory.
Nolan Goranson led Laurier with two RBIs, while Duenkler and Banks each collected two hits. Banks also stole two bases as the Golden Hawks swiped four bags on the afternoon.
Laurier continued its strong defensive play, committing no errors.
Laurier will look to build on Sunday's momentum this week with a pair of non-conference exhibition games against the Waterloo Warriors on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Golden Hawks then return to OUA action on Saturday, September 12, when they travel to Volunteer Field in Dundas for a doubleheader against the McMaster Marauders beginning at 12 p.m., before wrapping up the weekend Sunday with another twin bill against the Western Mustangs at Dan Pulham Field in London.
First pitch for both games is also scheduled for 12 p.m.
