LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Canisius College women's soccer team used a 31st minute goal from senior midfielder Katie Griffin to beat Niagara in the first round of the MAAC Tournament on Thursday.
The Griffs managed to maintain the shutout, withstanding 13 shots and 10 corner kicks, to take the contest 1-0 and advance to the MAAC Quarterfinals.
“It feels great,” Griffin said. “It makes up for us not being able to beat them in the last four years, because we were able to get it done when it mattered most, so it feels amazing.”
Canisius was able to maintain pressure for the majority of the first half, outshooting the Purple Eagles 8-5.
The Griffs capitalized on their momentum in the 31st minute, when senior forward Brianna Smith fired a shot at Niagara goalkeeper Clare Feiertag. The keeper was unable to control the rebound and Griffin rushed in to steal the loose ball and send it into the back of the net.
The Purple Eagles put a number of rushes on in the second half – taking eight shots and seven corners -- but senior goalkeeper Megan Tock and Griffs' defense turned away every opportunity to preserve the shutout. Tock made six saves in the contest for her third shutout of the season.
Canisius will now have a short turnaround as they play top-seed Monmouth at 2:15 tomorrow. That game can be viewed on ESPN3.
GAME NOTES: The victory is the Griffs' first against their longtime rival since Nov. 1, 2008… This was Canisius' first postseason victory since Nov. 5, 2010… Griffin now has three goals in the last two games, accounting for her only three goals of the season.
