Despite strong swims from freshmen Erica Vitale and Julia Terrien, and sophomore Alex Vitale, the Purple Eagles out-touched the Griffs in the 400 freestyle relay for a 126.5-115.5 win for the women, while the men fell 145-90.

“They beat us on the boards,” said head coach Scott Vanderzell, referring to the diving boards. “We were competitive all the way through the meet, and we fell a little short.”

On the men's side, freshman Kevin Ernst won the 1000 freestyle in 10:22.85. Canisius also had strong swims from Randall Snodgrass, with a 2:03.88 win in the 200 IM, and Kevin O'Donnell, who brought in first-place points in the 200 breaststroke in 2:15.57.

For the women, Terrien earned a tie for first in the 50 freestyle in 26.33 and won the 200 breaststroke in 2:31.81 to bring the Griffs within 3 points of Niagara. Diver Amina Benman earned an ECAC-worthy 221.85 points on the one-meter board, while Erica Vitale earned 18 points with wins in the 1000 freestyle (11:02.48), and the 200 backstroke (1:39.63). Sister Alex Vitale also tallied a win in the 200 IM in 2:18.37.

“We have a lot to work on as we get ready for the MAAC championships,” noted Vanderzell. “Today we showed that we have the talent to compete with a team like Niagara, something we have been challenged with in the past.”

 The Griffs wrap up conference competition at home next Sunday Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. in a women's-only match up against the Siena Saints.