Summary

The Grant MacEwan Griffins set the tempo early on, and didn’t look back, defeating the University of Manitoba Bisons 3-0 on Sunday afternoon in Edmonton.

The Griffins wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as midfielder Jenny Lam notched the first goal of the game just 2:27 into the first half.

The goal came off of a free kick, after teammate Kassandra Jajczay was hauled down in the penalty area. Lam’s kick was a no-doubter, as she hammered it straight into the top corner, giving Bison goalie Martina Arran very little opportunity to make the save.

Manitoba didn’t let the goal phase them, coming back with pressure of their own. The best opportunity for the Bisons occurred in the 31st minute, as forward Selina Speranza, fresh after being brought on as a substitute in the 21st minute, was able to beat MacEwan goaltender Rebecca Reif. Just as it looked like Manitoba was about to get on the board, defender Kayla Evans stepped in, kicking the ball out of harm’s way.

The Bisons continued to pressure MacEwan for the remainder of the first half, out-chancing the Griffins 6-3, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Griffins pulled away in the second half, dictating the pace and adding two more goals in the first 10 minutes of play.

Forward Shaelan Donnovan made the score 2-0 in the 53rd minute, finishing off a brilliant pass from Jajczay with a sliding goal. It was Donnovan’s second scoring opportunity, after shooting the ball just over the top of the net earlier in the half..

MacEwan would put the game to rest just under two minutes later, as forward Kaily Mohn flashed an impressive amount of speed down the left wing, tucking the ball past Arran and into the net.

The Bisons put up an impressive fight despite the score, frequently putting the ball on net in the remaining 35 minutes of play. They outshot MacEwan 6-3 after the third Griffins goal, but were unable to solve Reif, who had five saves on the day.

 

Game notes

Forward Amanda Wong of the Bisons led all players with four shots, two of which were on net. The rookie played all 90 minutes against the Griffins.

Forward Robyn Kastner was named the player of the game for Manitoba, after having two quality chances that were both on net.

With the win, the Griffins, playing in their first season in the Canada West, move to 3-1-0 on the season, while the Bisons fall to 2-2-0.

Manitoba will stay on the road this weekend, as they travel to Calgary to take on the 1-4-1 Mount Royal Cougars, while the Griffins will welcome the 3-1-2 Saskatchewan Huskies.