Sophomore Erica Evans scored a team-high three goals, as the Griffs fell to Columbia 16-8 this afternoon from New York, N.Y., moving the team's record to 2-5 on the season.
Canisius jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, as Evans recorded her 15th goal of the season at 28:28. The team's traded goals with senior Taylor Giglio scoring at 19:13, but the Lions would control the rest of the first half, going on a 4-1 run. Senior Caroline Ogden added the third goal for the Blue and Gold for a halftime score of 5-3.
The Lions picked up where they left off as the second half began, extending their lead to 7-3 early on, before Evans added her second goal of the contest at 27:31 to close the gap to three. Columbia separated themselves from the Griffs as the second half progressed however, going on a 5-2 run to make the score 12-6. The Griffs responded with a goal from freshman Tessa Chad to cut the Lions lead to 12-7, but it was not enough, as Columbia finished out the game strong for a 16-8 final.
Giglio would add two more goals in the second half and Evans another, giving each three goals for the day. Evans currently leads the Blue and Gold in goals and points, with 17 and 20 respectively, while Giglio is second in each category with 13 goals and 17 points.
Evans also recorded a game high 11 draw controls for the Golden Griffins, along with three ground balls.
The Griffs will play their first MAAC contest of the season this Friday against Fairfield, at 4 p.m. from the Demske Sports Complex.
Game Notes: Evans 11 draw controls are a season high for the Griffs, beating Evans' mark of seven against Michigan on Feb. 26… Chad has now scored in five of the team's seven games… The Griffs lost for the first time this season when scoring the game's first goal… Evans now has four multi-goal games in 2016… With the loss the Griffs move to 1-4 on the road to begin the season… The game was the first ever meeting between the two New York State schools.
