The Canisius College women's lacrosse team opened MAAC play with a 19-12 win over Iona on Saturday afternoon in New Rochelle, N.Y.

The Griffs scored nine-straight goals in the second half to put a game that was tied at 10 at the start of the run out of reach, and improve Canisius' record to 5-4 on the year.

“I thought we showed a great amount of resiliency today,” said head coach Scott Teeter. “We rallied in the second half with balanced scoring, a number of good defensive stops and great transition offense. We also finished our shots when the game was on the line.”

The Blue and Gold was led offensively by junior attacker Tori Quinn, who racked up eight points (five goals and three assists). Senior midfielder Maria Kotas and sophomore attacker Taylor Giglio each chipped in four goals and an assist, while sophomore midfielder Ashley Bull added three goals.

Through the first 20 minutes of play, Canisius had opened up a 9-4 lead over the Gaels, but Iona closed the half scoring four of the last five and opened up the second frame with the first two goals, knotting things at 10.

The nine-straight Griffs' goals were scored by four different players, with Quinn netting three of her five in that span, Kotas scoring twice, Giglio adding two and junior midfielder Tori Greco scoring twice as well.

Canisius' run was helped by the defensive effort of junior goaltender Kayla Scully, who made nine of her 12 saves in the second half.

The Griffs will now return home to face Marist on Wednesday, with first draw scheduled for 4 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Greco's two goals tied her career high… Canisius has won its MAAC opener for the fourth consecutive season… The Griffs tied their season high with 19 goals in the contest.