Guelph beats McGill for first national women’s hockey title

Members of the Guelph Gryphons celebrate the first U Sports women's hockey title in school history. (U Sports)

CHARLOTTETOWN — The Guelph Gryphons have earned their first women’s hockey national title in school history.

Valerie Lamenta stopped all 20 shots she faced as Guelph held on to beat the McGill Martlets 1-0 on Sunday in the U Sports final.

Kaitlin Lowy gave the Gryphons all the offence they needed at 18:15 of the second period, with Lamenta making 10 of her saves in the third period to preserve the championship.

"I pretty much blacked out," Lowy said of her goal. "I haven’t had time to digest the magnitude of this, but right now I’m just really proud of this team and we’re honoured to be part of a historical championship."

Lamenta was named tournament all-star.

"It’s been an amazing five years at Guelph," said Lamenta. "But this is really a dream come true being able to say this is my last game in a Guelph Gryphons jersey."

Tricia Deguire turned away 20-of-21 shots for McGill.

Earlier, the Montreal Carabins pulled off the upset with a 2-1 victory over the top-ranked Alberta Pandas to win the bronze medal.

Kelly-Ann Nadeau and Alexandra Boulanger scored in the second period for Montreal as Aube Racine made 23 saves for the win.

Kennedy Ganser was the lone scorer for Alberta. Kirsten Chamberlin stopped 11-of-13 shots in defeat.

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