The Canisius College seniors saved their best game for their final home contest, dominating Niagara for a 23-5 victory on Senior Day. With the win Canisius improves to 7-8 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.
“It is always good to win on Senior Day,” said Canisius head coach Scott Teeter. “It was nice to see all five seniors step up and contribute. They'll certainly be missed on their home turf, where they have been successful during their careers. As a team, it was great to get everybody in and run our systems.”
Senior Lauren Walsh led the Griffs with seven points on two goals and five assists in her final home game, while classmate Whitney Card posted a team-best five goals in addition to one assist. Senior Erica Nasca scored a goal and Emilee Flynn (pictured) added her first collegiate tally in her final home contest. Senior Lisa Foligno recorded three draw controls for the Griffs.
Juniors Ashley Gray and Chelsea Martinez both recorded a hat trick for the Griffs, while freshman Brianne Laffey posted three points on a pair of goals and an assist. Freshman Emily Maguire netted two scores, while junior Janelle Wright, sophomore Marissa Brown plus freshmen Kaitlyn Black and Carly Quinn rounded out the scoring for Canisius, which featured a balanced attack with 12 different goal scorers.
The Griffs started the game strong and never looked back. Canisius scored the first four goals in the opening 3:58 and after Niagara (2-9, 0-4 MAAC) tallied a goal, Canisius netted the next eight scores to ignite the running clock with 13 minutes left in the first half. Canisius continued its dominance, outscoring the Purple Eagles 11-4 the rest of the way.
Canisius outshot Niagara, 45-7, and held a 20-10 advantage in the draw controls. Erralyn Thomas led the Purple Eagles with three goals.
The Griffs continue MAAC play with a road game at Iona on Friday. First draw is set for 3 p.m.
Game Notes: With the win, Canisius now holds a 17-11 advantage in the Battle of the Bridge rivalry. The Griffs need to win or tie just one more event (softball, baseball or golf) to win the Canal Cup ... Canisius' 23 goals and 18 goal margin of victory are the most since defeating Binghamton 26-1 on March 16, 2002 ... The Canisius senior class will graduate as the best class in school history. The Griffs have won 33 games during their four years after posting just 11 wins in the seven years prior to their arrival ... Walsh, Card and Nasca ranks first, second and fifth, respectively, in Griffs' record book for career points.
