The Canisius College women's lacrosse team announced its 2010 schedule on Tuesday. The schedule is highlighted by nine home games, including a pair of games against teams that finished the 2009 campaign nationally ranked in Ohio State and Fairfield.

"We have once again put together a challenging schedule that will prepare us for MAAC play," said head coach Scott Teeter. "We are excited to play nine home games this season and creating some new relationships Albany, Connecticut and Detroit."

Canisius opens the 2010 season with three road games, starting with Longwood on Feb. 13. The Griffs then face Boston College (Feb. 26) and Connecticut (Feb. 28). Canisius and Connecticut will be meeting for the first time on the lacrosse field.

The Griffs then return home and host six of their final eight non-conference games. The team's home opener is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 against Robert Morris, while Canisius also hosts Binghamton (March 10), St. Bonaventure (March 16), Detroit (March 28), Lehigh (April 3) and Ohio State (April 5). The Buckeyes finished the 2009 season ranked 16th in the final IWLCA Coaches Poll.

Canisius also plays at Albany (March 14) and Duquesne (March 21) in non-conference action.

The Griffs open MAAC play with defending conference champion Fairfield. Canisius welcomes the Stags, who finished the 2009 season ranked 19th nationally, to the Demske Sports Complex on April 9. The Griffs also host Marist (April 11) and Battle of the Bridge rival Niagara (April 20) and play at Siena (April 16), Iona (April 23) and Manhattan (April 25).

The top four teams in the MAAC regular season qualify for the 2010 MAAC Championship, held on the campus of Marist College. The semifinals will take place on April 30 with the championship game slated for May 2.

The Griffs return 17 letterwinners and nine starters from the 2009 team that finished second in the MAAC and earned back-to-back conference tournament appearances for the first time in school history.