Gryphons Home Opener Spoiled by No. 3-ranked Marauders

After the Gryphons got off to a slow start in the opening set (12-25), the home side would bounce back in a big way, thrilling the fans in attendance at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre by coming out on top of a captivating 30-28 score line in the 2nd set. With the 2nd set tied at 28-28, it would be second-year standout Jonathan Pickett (Wiarton, ON) putting away one of his team-high 14 kills on the day to put the Gryphons ahead 29-28. A big block on the ensuing point from Gryphons 6’7″ rookie middle, Jacob Bailey (London, ON) would give the Gryphons their first set of the 2021-22 campaign and tie the match at a set apiece.

The Gryphons were able to carry that momentum into the 3rd set, with team captain Arjun Selhi (Mississauga, ON) finishing off one of his 7 kills on the night to put Guelph in front 19-18. The 10-time OUA champion Marauders would respond from there, however, with McMaster ending the 3rd set on a 7-2 run to take a 2-sets-to-1 lead. The 4th set was once again a competitive one, with the Gryphons once again showing some great play defensively, including several big blocks from 6’5″ second-year outside hitter, Nicolas Gumienik. After another kill by Jonathan Pickett, the Gryphons inched closer to tying the match at 2-sets-apiece as they led 21-16. However, the Marauders would again take control late in the set, ending the set on a 9-2 run to take the 4th set 25-23 and the match 3-sets-to-1.

An injury to Gryphons third-year setter Gideon Dresser forced the Winnipeg native to exit the match in the 2nd set. Prior to leaving, Dresser had impressed, racking up 18 assists while providing excellent service for the Gryphs. With Dresser out, in stepped Gryphon rookie Jack Richards, who picked up right where Dresser had left off, with the first-year London, Ontario native recording 14 assists to go along with 2 digs. The Gryphons (0-2) will now hit the road for their next two games, beginning with a November 20th road trip to Windsor to face the Lancers (0-2).

🏐MVB HIGHLIGHT: The Gryphons even this match up thanks to the big time set clinching block from Jacob Bailey!#GryphonPride pic.twitter.com/Bim8tdwLiu

— Guelph Gryphons (@guelph_gryphons) November 13, 2021