With a fate of either Semi-finals or elimination looming, the Marauders faced the Guelph Gryphons in a close match. McMaster came out on top, defeating the Gryphons 2-1.
The Marauders began the game in a new foundation line, which saw great opportunity and chances. Coming back from a season history of loss against the Marauders, the Guelph Gryphons tested the home team.
Getting an early start in the 21st minute, Olivia Razakos, of the Guelph Gryphons, slipped past the Marauders back line and shot a low touch into the mesh.
The 23rd minute brought an injury to Lindsey Barwitzski. After clearing a ball in the 16, she got caught in a collision. While she was being seen by trainers, both teams got a beat to regroup.
With perseverance and feist, McMaster wasn't counted out. In the 35th minute, the game turned to a new level of heat, Ravina Braich broke through Guelph's Brooke Morton, who then tackled Braich in the box. Emilie Calabrese stepped up to the line to take the kick and found the equalizer for Mac.
Once the game found the draw, after the first half both teams played with fury. Both teams had a minimum of 2 fouls, and 5 shots, respectively. It was looking like the game would result with extra time, with the balanced play… that was until the 84th minute. Alena Spehar outran her check after a solid baseline ball, Spehar then found the feet of Calabrese, who was uncontested this match. Calabrese, beautifully, placed the ball in an unsavable top corner.
Guelph was grasping for one final chance to force a tie. In the stoppage time, Ali Mudie made an incredible save, punching it directly off the foot of a Gryphon, causing a corner. Mudie, once again proving her excellence on the field, was surrounded by four ladies in red, and meet the ball with her gloves to finalize the win. An audible sigh of relief was overheard by the Marauders' fan area.
The crowd contributed to the 12th woman today, with both Guelph and McMaster cheers roaring the entire 90 minutes of play.
What's Next?
The Marauders will advance and play at uOttawa on Wednesday. Time of the match it to be determined.
