The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team dropped a 5-3 decision to the No. 9 Guelph Gryphons in their 2010-11 season opener on Saturday, October 9 at Gryphon Centre Arena.

Guelph built a 3-0 lead over the first 23 minutes of action, with goals from Erin Small, Kaitlyn Mora and Dayna Kanis.

Fifth-year forward Emily Milito of Ottawa got the Blues on the board on a five-on-four opportunity when she received a pass from rookie forward Amanda Ricker (Kanata, Ont.) in the slot and sent the puck into the top corner of the net.

The Gryphons held a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame.

Toronto held the play throughout the first half of the third period and Brenley Jorgensen of Kingston, Ont., narrowed the gap to one when she finished off a low passing play at the side of the net on another Blues powerplay.

Things were looking promising for U of T until Small tallied her second goal of the game with just over five minutes remaining. Guelph captain Tamara Bell would add an insurance marker at the 17:08 mark to secure the win.

The Blues attempted a late rally, with a beautiful set up by second-year forward Ragan Danford. A native of Madoc, Ont., Danford recovered the puck in the corner and gained possession behind the net to find a wide open Darby Smith in front, who finished it off with a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net.

Blues goaltender Kendyl Valenta of Brampton, Ont., made 26 saves in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow when they travel to St. Catharines, Ont., to take on the Brock Badgers. Game time is 3:15 p.m.

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