Sophomore Erica Evans tied a Canisius single-game record for goals, scoring eight times, as the women's lacrosse team defeated MAAC rival Monmouth 19-6 from the Demske Sports Complex this afternoon, moving the team's record to 8-5 on the season, while remaining a perfect 5-0 in MAAC play.
Evans totaled ten points, a new career high, lifting the Griffs into sole possession of first place in the conference.
“Erica had another fantastic performance for us today,” said head coach Scott Teeter. “She was finishing her shots and was dominant for us on the draw circle. It shows once again that she is one of the best players in the MAAC, with her performance against a powerhouse like Monmouth.”
Senior Taylor Giglio also excelled for the Blue and Gold, scoring six goals in her senior day performance. Seniors Sami Franco, Caroline Ogden, Alexis Roskovich and Giglio were honored in a post-game ceremony.
“I thought all four of the seniors played great today,” Teeter said. “This senior class has contributed in all aspects, not only on the field, but in the community and in the classroom. That being said they have some unfinished business and want to go out on top.”
The game opened with the Griffs scoring the first four goals, and going on an impressive 10-1 run against a Monmouth team that was undefeated in MAAC play heading into the contest.
“I thought we got off to a fantastic start today and played well in all areas," Teeter said. "Our goaltending from Rebecca, our defensive play giving up low percentage shots, our transition play, and we finished our shots.”
The Golden Griffins would take an 11-2 lead into the half, backed by goals from Giglio (4), Evans (3) and freshmen Tessa Chad (3) and Brenna Shanahan (1).
The Hawks battled early in the second going on a 3-2 run to open the half, but were no match for the Canisius offense that would score the next six goals, making the score 19-5 with 5:45 remaining. In the 6-0 run, Evans would score three times to tie the school mark. Monmouth would add another goal as the game came to a close, giving the Griffs the 19-6 victory.
Sophonmore goalkeeper Rebecca Vanlaeken played an important role in the victory, making eight saves and allowing five goals, moving her season record to 8-4.
Evans led the team in draw controls with seven, while sophomore Megan Maloney added four of her own. Freshman Jourdan Roemer added a goal and assist for the Blue and Gold.
The Griffs will next face MAAC opponent Marist from the Demske Sports Complex this Wednesday Apr. 20 at 4 p.m.
Game Notes: Evans' performance ties her with former Griffs Ashley Curtis, Maria Kotas and Carly Quinn, all of whom reached the eight goal mark in a single game… Evans' eight goals and 10 points break her personal mark, which she set last Saturday in a 19-3 victory over Manhattan… The sophomore midfielder has been instrumental in the Griffs' last three games, totaling an eye popping 27 points in the three victories, with 20 goals… Both VanLaeken and sophomore Nicole Nelson recorded a team-high three ground balls in the win… The four senior Griffs, Franco, Giglio, Ogden and Roskovich were honored for their time spent with Canisius following the game… Franco, who often draws a team's top offensive player in a face guarding role, has played 68 career games, making 62 starts for the Griffs. A three time All-MAAC Second Team selection and member of the 2013 All-MAAC Rookie Team, Franco has recorded 65 ground balls, along with 37 caused turnovers and 18 draw controls in her career… Giglio, a two time member of the All- MAAC Second Team, has recorded 110 goals, 50 assists and 160 points in her career. On march 28th, the senior became the ninth Griff in team history to record 100 career goals, in 16-5 victory over St. Bonaventure. She is currently tied for sixth all time in goals and is eighth in career points…Ogden has appeared in 62 career contests starting 34 games for the Golden Griffins. The senior attacker has recorded 27 career goals, 16 assists and 43 points. She recorded a career high three goals and six points against LIU Brooklyn in 2013… Roskovich has appeared in 42 career contests with seven starts. In her career, the defender has recorded six ground balls, with eight draw controls and five caused turnovers. A two time member of the MAAC All-Academic Team, Roskovich is an honors student, dual majoring in marketing and information systems… With the victory the Golden Griffins have won six consecutive games, while outscoring their opponents 90-38 during the winning streak.
