The Griffs first home weekend brought bittersweet results, as Canisius downed Saint Peter’s in four sets but lost to Rider in three frames. Canisius is coming off a 0-2 road swing last weekend, facing the 6-1 Quinnipiac Bobcats and the 8-0 Fairfield Stags. Canisius lost both matches in straight sets.
Canisius enters this contest with a 3-12 record and a 1-5 conference mark so far this year. Canisius has been battling the loss of one of its key starters, as Katlyn Tyler has been unable to play the Griffs last four contests. A MAAC All-Preseason team honoree, Tyler, despite her injury, still leads the team with identical 3.11 kills per set and digs per set averages. The freshman class continue to make a mark on this team, receiving ample playing time in their inaugural campaigns.
Leah Simmons leads all freshman on the team with a 1.37 kills per set mark as well as leading the whole team in blocks per set with a 0.73 average. Gabrielle Darnaby has played in 11 contests this season, and is averaging 1.35 kills per set and 2.02 digs per set. Freshmen Cassidy Ceriani and Carly Shifflet are both tied for second on the team in digs per set with match 2.14 marks. Ceriani has been the primary quarterback of the team’s offense, dishing out 7.45 assists per set this season. She has 380 assists total through 15 matches played. Ceriani ranks up there in the conference in assists per set, ranking fifth in the MAAC. She is also ranked ninth in the conference in service aces per set with a 0.29 average.
Getting Tyler back to full health may be the key to the Blue and Gold success, as Tyler ranks fourth in points per set (3.38 per frame) and third in kills per set (3.11).
Following this weekend, the Blue and Gold have one more at home before taking to the road once again. Canisius wraps up its three-match homestand with a rivalry night against Niagara on Thursday, Oct. 13.
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