The Varsity Blues men's lacrosse team opened their 2012 season with a 14-13 overtime loss to the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday, September 8 at Varsity Centre.
The Blues begin the season with an 0-1 record, but have plenty of positives to take away from a thrilling comeback that saw them force overtime in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.
Among the positives were Toronto native Jordan Robertson's four goals, and rookie goaltender Lowell Hunt's (Orangeburg , N.Y.) stellar debut in the Blue and White. Hunt made a number of miraculous saves, including one in the final quarter to allow the Blues an opportunity to tie the game. Third-year attacker Lucas Wood of Perth, Ont. also had three goals in the loss.
The Blues got off to a good start in their first game in front of a raucous home crowd, and led 5-4 after the first half of play. A persistent Guelph team would battle back however, before scoring three straight goals in the fourth quarter to take an 11-8 lead.
Toronto's attackers refused to send their fans home early, and after Patrick Belisle (Regina, Sask.) squeaked a shot past the Gryphon's goaltender to cut the lead to one, Robertson streaked down the right side and rifled home his fourth goal of the night to tie the game 13-13 and force extra minutes.
The Gryphons scored the only goal in extra time, Jordan Daradick's third of the game, and the final horn sounded with the score 14-13 in favour of Guelph.
Mike Burke led the offensive charge for the Gryphons with six goals.
The Blues next game is Sunday, September 9 in London, Ont. against the Western Mustangs. Game time is 1 p.m.
M-Lacrosse vs Guelph 9/8/2012 Gallery
For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.
