TORONTO — With one knee on the ice and a water bottle in hand, Sydney Pyburn relished in the moment. The rookie goaltender had just stopped 36 shots, and the temporary break in the action was a needed reprieve from the night's chaotic events.

A mere feet away over the boards, Bold Head Coach Lisa Haley expertly maneuvered a marker over her whiteboard. In seconds, the Bold would embark on their second straight overtime, hoping for another thrilling winner-take-all moment. 

But this time, standing in the way was a nationally ranked opponent, hellbent on maintaining a status quo that placed them near the top of the OUA hierarchy. 

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's hockey team ultimately fell 1-0 in overtime to the No.8 ranked Guelph Gryphons on Friday. 

While the outcome wasn't what they had hoped for, the Bold are skating like they're getting better every day. There's a belief percolating in the locker room that's translating onto the ice. The one-point loss may not be what the Bold desire, but in terms of measuring sticks, it's a clear indicator of growth after previously being bested by the Gryphons 5-0 in early November. 

"It took us awhile, but I think we started to learn how to dictate and control a little bit more of the ice," said Haley. "We understand who we are…it felt like a bend don't break type of game for us and we're excited to get the point out of that one." 

The Gryphons dominated possession time and scoring chances in the opening period. Guelph outshot TMU 13-2, placing immense pressure on the defence. But as they had done throughout the season, the Bold worked tirelessly in their zone to prevent goals. 

Even during the rare scoring opportunities that presented themselves, TMU raced back to the other end to stymie any counter-attacks. After defender Dayle Chinnick received a pass across the blue line, the second-year Biology student fired a shot on net. When the Gryphons turned that into a two-on-two rush, Chinnick expertly steered away the centring pass. 

Late in the period, defender Jayden Fox managed to get a puck through traffic before hitting Guelph goaltender Sophie Helfenstein on the blocker side. Like clockwork, the Gryphons turned that into a scoring chance the other way. But as the Guelph skater crossed into the Bold's zone, Fox out-muscled her off the puck. 

Fox did a spectacular job of leveraging her awareness and being in the right place at the right time throughout the contest. 

"I think just not wanting any team to come into our barn to expect an easy win," said Fox. "That's where I get my confidence from." 

Less than two minutes into the second period, Guelph forward Olivia Knuff was whistled for body checking, putting TMU on the power play. With the player advantage, Alizee LeBlanc threatened for the night's opening goal, but her backhand was stopped by Helfenstein. TMU defender Nahvin Bal played the point on the power play unit, putting her in a prime position to generate chances. Bal's first shot attempt resulted in a rebound in front of the net, which teammate Eden Dusome swiped at before getting stopped. On Bal's second shot of the power play, the puck hit a player before deflecting just wide of the net. 

Despite not capitalizing on the player advantage, the momentum TMU built served as a launching pad for some of its best hockey of the season. After going viral with her shootout goal last week, Maddy Collins showed off her nifty stick handling when she swerved around multiple Guelph defenders. Unfortunately, Collins couldn't find the back of the net with her slap shot. 

Moments later, Ahalya Julien-Medeiros' attempt from the blue line drilled the far post, sending those in attendance at the Mattamy Athletic Centre into a brief frenzy. Near the end of the period, LeBlanc fought off a defender while she skated down the left wing. She shovelled a pass to Gaby Gareau, who only had Halfenstein to beat, but the Gryphon goalie stood tall. 

The scoreboard wouldn't change in the Bold's favour, but the team's effort and improved play were undeniably present. 

"I think after the break, we really smartened up," said Fox. "We stuck to our game plan tonight and didn't let them push us down." 

On the other side, it was business as usual for Pyburn. While the defence played an outstanding game, Pyburn consistently bailed her team out when called upon to clean up a rare miscue. Her best save of the night came when Guelph's Jessica Teskey broke free for a breakaway. Pyburn kicked out her leg at the last second to keep the score even. She authored another brilliant save on a breakaway later in the overtime period. 

"The best leaders don't just talk the talk," said Haley of her rookie goalie. "They walk it as well."

Pyburn finished with 40 saves, 11 shy of the record set by Emma Crawley in 2011. 

"She gives you a lot of confidence," added Fox. "Knowing that you pretty much have a brick wall behind you." 

The Bold next take the ice against the Brock Badgers on Jan. 24. The game begins at 6 p.m. on OUA.tv.