Three goals by Akron's Leigh Cullen and a strong effort in net was enough to down the Griffs in a 3-0 shutout Friday night at Lee R. Jackson field.

The Zips jumped out to the early lead when Cullen took a pass from Rachel Phillip and netted a shot in the 17th minute of play. Cullen would strike once more in the first half scoring in the 34th minute, as the Griffs would head to the half down 2-0. In the 64th minute Cullen would collect her third goal on a penalty kick and cap off the scoring on the way to the Zip's second victory of the season.

Canisius recorded 11 shots in the loss with junior Jenny Griffin and freshman Brianna Smith leading the team with three each. Caroline Robert got the start in net making three saves with Lesley Ivinac getting the nod in the second half recording two saves.

"I thought the girls actually played well tonight," Canisius head coach Jim Wendling said. "I think we got a bit unlucky at times and missed on some opportunities. We have to work on our attack, and find a way to finish, otherwise we'll continue to struggle."

The Blue and Gold will travel to Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday for a 12 p.m. match against the Cleveland State Vikings. 

Game Notes: With the win Akron moves to 2-0-0 in the series record between the two sides...The loss pushes head coach Jim Wendling's road record to 11-6-3 and 0-2-0 this season...Cullen's three goal performance is the first time in Wendling's career at Canisius that the Griffs have allowed an opposing hat trick...In the two-plus seasons under Wendling, the Blue and Gold is 6-0-1 in games following a loss