STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
RIVERSDALE — Junior Erica Evans led all scorers with seven points, on four goals and three assists, as the Canisius women’s lacrosse team opened conference play with a 15-5 win over Manhattan Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Jourdan Roemer also excelled for the Blue and Gold, matching her career-high in points with six (3g, 3a).
The contest began with sophomore Tessa Chad opening the scoring at the 26:30 mark on an assist from Evans. Manhattan would respond in short order however, with Molly Fitzpatrick tying the game a little over a minute later (25:22).
The Griffs hit their stride over the next five minutes, scoring three straight goals for a 4-1 lead at 20:09 of the first. Senior Ashley Bull, Roemer and junior Lauren Smolensky accounted for the scoring over the stretch.
After a second goal from Fitzpatrick put the score at 4-2, the Golden Griffins scored six consecutive tallies on goals from Bull, Evans (2), junior Jen Reininger (2) and Chad, to go up 10-2 on the Jaspers at 3:52 of the first.
Manhattan would score the final two goals of the half, to make the score 10-4 at the midway point.
The Griffs would find offensive success again as the second half began, going on a 4-0 run through the first 22:51 of the half. Roemer added her second and third goals of the afternoon, while Evans added the other two Griff goals.
Manhattan’s Darby Nolan would add the Jaspers’ lone goal of the half at 7:09, while Chad put away the games’ final tally at 0:58 on a free position attempt.
With the win, the Griffs move to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in MAAC play. The Jaspers are now 2-6 overall and 0-1 in conference action.
Junior goalkeeper Rebecca VanLaeken picked up her sixth win of the year (6-4), making seven saves, while Manhattan goalie Nikki Pesanto made ten saves, moving to 2-6 overall.
The Griffs return home for a Saturday morning meeting against Iona on April 1 at 11 p.m., before hosting Siena on April 5 at 4 p.m.
