The Varsity Blues men's lacrosse season came to an end with a 24-11 playoff defeat loss to the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday, October 28, Guelph, Ont.
 
These two teams had met twice previously during the season with Guelph taking both of those games.  The first quarter was a high scoring affair.  Guelph took an early lead but Toronto came back on goals by attack Jason Barnable and a power play goal by middie Alex Emerson, his first of the season.  Half way through the period the score was 4-2 for Guelph but the Gryphons went on a four-goal run soon after.  The Blues answered however, with three of their own goals consecutively to end the quarter, the last with 20 seconds left.  Sean Power, AJ Masson and Barnable with his second counted the goals. 
 
Toronto seemed to have momentum going into the second quarter but it was Guelph who scored the first three goals. The Blues again rallied with two of their own by attack Darren Elliott (power play) and middie Jackson Hickey.  Guelph finished the quarter with two more goals to lead at the half 13-7.
 
The game turned a bit chippy in the third quarter as Guelph took penalties and Toronto capitalized on the opportunities to score three power play goals, two by Elliott (second and third of the game) and one by Barnable (third of the game).  The Gryphons scored three times themselves to lead after three quarters, 16-10.
 
Trying to come back in the fourth quarter, the Blues had to play more aggressively in order to try and make Guelph turn the ball over.  Unfortunately, the aggressive play resulted in five Toronto penalties in the quarter.  Guelph took advantage and scored four power play goals and won going away, outscoring the Blues 8-1 in the fourth.  Barnable netted his fourth goal of the game to add to his 3 assists for a total of 7 points in the game. 
 
"It is always disappointing to lose in the first round of the playoffs, especially when you consider the senior players who you hoped would have an opportunity to play in the Baggataway Championship weekend," said head coach Joe Nizich. "It's always sad to have them play their last game.  Defensively we will miss captain Jackson Banbury, John Browne, goalie Riley McGillis, Alex St. Pierre, Steven Burke and Joe "Nails" Pendleton.  On the plus side, this season has seen some great contributions from the rookies on the team, especially Darren Elliott with 24 goals, Jackson Hickey, Jaxin da Roza and Davis Bottomley.  And LSM James Keane, who played a great game, is going to be a real good one."
 
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, Instagram, SnapChat and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.