Senior Tiara Johnson's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth propelled Canisius to its second walk-off win of the season on Sunday, as the Golden Griffins defeated Boston University, 6-5, in collegiate softball action on the final day of the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C.
With the victory, the Griffs improved to 4-1 on the season, their best start in a decade. The Terriers drop their second contest of the campaign, falling to 7-2.
After giving up three runs over the first two frames of the game, Canisius grabbed its first lead of the day in the home half of the fourth.
Graduate Nicole Rivait and junior Megan Giese opened the inning with back-to-back singles, sending third year Gianna Fazzolari to the dish with one out.
Fazzolari walloped the second pitch she saw from Boston starter Allison Boaz over the left-center wall to tie the contest at three.
Junior Destiny Falquez carried the momentum into her at-bat, collecting an infield single.
Sophomore Alyssa Cloutier, pinch running for Falquez, stole her first base of the season and came around to score on freshman pinch-hitter Joelle Jay's first career hit, a single to center to give the Griffs the 4-3 advantage.
Boston would tie the contest at four in the sixth when Tyesha Williams sent a two-out single to center to score pinch runner Kate Pryor.
Deadlocked at four, the Terriers briefly grabbed the lead in the top of the ninth thanks for a sac fly from Lauren Nett.
The Griffs would not go away as reliever Kasey Ricard issued a pair of two-out walks to Rivait and Giese, loading the bases for Johnson.
Down to the final strike, Johnson served the pitch into left, scoring Recrosio with ease before Rivait motored home, beating the tag from catcher Audrey Sellers to give the Griffs their second walk-off win of the tournament.
Graduate Alexis Churchill earned the no-decision in her first start in the circle in 2023. The southpaw allowed three runs on four hits and one free pass.
Giese earned her second victory of the season in the circle, tossing five one-hit innings of relief while striking out four batters.
Series Comments from head coach Kim Griffin:
"It was a great first weekend out for us. Early on, we were working out some kinks but by today, we were firing on all cylinders. Offensively, we have a lot of run production from Nicole Rivait, Tiara Johnson and Megan Giese. We also had some big contributors come off the bench both on the bases and at the plate. Capping off the weekend with a big, extra innings win over Boston was fun. It was a battle from the first inning and we fought hard to come back twice to beat them. They are a really good team so it was a great test for us early in the season."
Game Notes
• Canisius started the season with four wins in its first five games for the first time since the 2013 campaign. That season, the Griffs opened with a 7-1 record.
• The Griffs are 3-0 in their last three extra-inning contests, dating back to the 2021 season.
• The Blue and Gold earned its first win over BU in program history. The Terriers lead the all-time series, 2-1.
• Canisius has two walk-off victories in five contests in 2023. The team had just three in 50 games last season.
Up Next
• Canisius has a day off before it faces the College of Charleston in a twin bill on Tuesday. First pitch of the opening game is scheduled for noon, with both contests being broadcasted on FloSoftball.
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