A combined five home runs propelled Canisius to a pair of victories against Lafayette and Fairfield on the second day of the Penn State Invitational Saturday at the Nittany Lion Softball & Beard Filed in State College, Pa.

The Golden Griffins (5-9) defeated Lafayette (0-13),15-0, in five innings before knocking off Fairfield (3-10) by a 10-7 margin in the nightcap. 

GAME ONE RECAP
Canisius got things started in the top of the first inning with Senior Emily Ilano doubling to score sophomore Ella Johel. The Golden Griffins put the game out of reach in the top of the second, using home runs from Rosie Gomez, Bailey Alatorre and Ilano to score six runs and build a 7-0 cushion.

The Griffs grew their lead to 9-0 in the third inning with a single from freshman Tabitha von Kolen to bring home two runs. Canisius put up another six spot in the top of the fourth with RBI's from Morgan Cook, Rebecca Hai, von Kolen and Johel to make the game 15-0. The run rule was implemented after five innings.

Freshman Mikaila Obenrader got the start in the circle for Canisius, throwing five innings, striking out four and only allowing two hits.

GAME TWO RECAP
Canisius once again struck first in the nightcap against Fairfield, plating two runs in the top of the second inning. Freshman Vivi Vargas hit a sac fly to bring home Gabi Farris before a throwing error on the play allowed Natalie Quonce to score from second.

Fairfield got one run back in the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run off the bat of Delaney Whieldon. 

The Griffs took control of the game in the top of the sixth as a bases-loaded walk to von Kolen and a grand slam by Johel stretch the Canisius advantage to 7-1.

The Stags were able to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning, posting a grand slam of their own off the bat of Ava Armuth followed by a pair of RBI doubles to knot the score at 7-7.

Alatorre gave the Griffs the lead back in the top of the seventh, belting a three-run home run to left center, putting Canisius in front, 10-7. Fairfield was able to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh with one out, but Obenrader came in for the final 1.1 innings, earning her second victory of the day.   

Sophomore Olivia Manchester got the start in the circle for the Griffs in the nightcap, throwing 4.0 innings, while only allowing one run on four hits. Senior Toria Kover came in relief, throwing 1.2 innings, allowing six runs on six hits. Obenrader came in for the final 1.1 innings 

GAME NOTES
• Canisius' 15 runs against the Leopards were the most by the Griffs in a game since Feb. 18, 2022, when they plated 16 in a victory versus SC State. 
• The Griffs hit multiple home runs in three straight games as they have connected for a total of nine home runs in its first four games of the PSU Invitational. 
• Vargas recorded the first multi-hit game of her career with her three hits against Lafayette.
• Ilano tied her career high in RBI with four against Lafayette.
• Johel recorded her seventh and eighth multi-hit games of the season during today's doubleheader.
• Quonce and Hai both recorded their first career multi-hit games against Fairfield.

UP NEXT
Canisius returns to action Sunday to wrap up the Penn State Invitational. The Griffs take on Lafayette at 10 a.m.

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