The Canisius College women's lacrosse team cruised to a 17-6 victory over MAAC opponent Marist this afternoon from the Demske Sports Complex, winning their seventh straight game, while remaining a perfect 6-0 in the MAAC. The Griffs are now 9-5 overall, and control their own destiny in winning their second consecutive MAAC regular season crown.
Senior Taylor Giglio, along with sophomores Erica Evans and Lauren Smolensky created havoc offensively for Canisius, each recording at least six points.
“In today's game they put a face-guard on Erica and she still played outstanding,” said head coach Scott Teeter. “Even when you try to take her out of the game she can be a threat. When they try to neutralize her it opens up things for the rest of the offense to excel.”
The Blue and Gold jumped out to a fast start once again, going on a 9-1 run to begin the contest against the Red Foxes. Evans led the charge during the strong start, scoring four times, with Giglio adding two and Smolensky recording a goal and three assists.
Aside from the offensive outpour to begin, the Griffs excelled from the draw control circle and played strong defense, not allowing a shot until Marist's first goal scored at 8:01.
“Everything starts with possession,” Teeter said. “When you get the draw controls early it's the extra possessions that take the pressure of your defense and goaltending.”
The Griffs would close out the half with a 9-3 lead. Sophomore Allie Stewart and freshman Brenna Shanahan added goals as well in the dominant half of play.
The Golden Griffins would begin the second by scoring the first three goals, while going on a 8-1 run through the first 24:46 of the half. Two late Marist goals shrunk the deficit, but the Griffs were able to secure the commanding 17-6 victory.
Evans led the Griffs with eight points on six goals, while Giglio added five goals with an assist. Smolensky would finish the day with a career-high seven points, on two goals and five assists, with Stewart finding the back of the net twice and freshman Jourdan Roemer adding three assists.
The Griffs won the draw control battle 15-10 and created trouble for the Red Foxes in transition, as Marist was only 6 of 14 on clear attempts.
Sophomroe Rebecca Vanlaeken recorded the win in net for Canisius, with four saves, and now holds a record of 9-4.
The Griffs will look to remain perfect in the MAAC when the travel to New Rochelle, N.Y. this Saturday Apr. 23 to take on the Iona Gaels at 1 p.m.
Game Notes: The five assists from Smolensky are a career and team season-high…The Griffs have outscored their opponents 107-44 during the seven game win streak… The team has also scored at least twelve goals in its last seven completed games… Evans has scored at least five goals in her last four contest, totaling 26 goals and 35 points in that time… Evans leads the team in goals (47) and points (61)… Giglio is second in both categories, while being one point away from 50 on the year… Evans, Giglio and Smolensky are all tied for the team lead in assists at 14… Aside from her goal, Shanahan led the team in both caused turnover and ground balls, while Roemer and Evans recorded the most draw controls at three apiece… Evans remains the team leader in draw controls (63), caused turnovers (21), and ground balls (26)…Canisius is now 6-1 at the Demske this season.
