STAFF REPORTS
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BUFFALO — After playing 27 games on the road to start the 2017 season, Canisius opens the home portion of its scheduled Wednesday afternoon when the Golden Griffins play host to cross-town rival Buffalo. First pitch in the non-league doubleheader is set for 4 p.m.
Canisius starts its home schedule having dropped four straight, including three one-run games last weekend at the Mount St. Mary’s Invite in Maryland. Canisius’ 11 wins this season are tied for second-most in the MAAC. Marist has 13 victories to lead the league, while Manhattan has 11 wins to its credit as well. Sophomore Lauren Castro leads the MAAC with her 30 hits this season. She had two home runs last weekend, and she leads the team and is tied for second in the conference with five homers this year. Castro ranks second in the league with her 54 total bases this year. She leads the squad with 21 RBI, making her one of four Canisius players with 10-or more runs batted in to date. Junior pitcher Erika Mackie leads the MAAC with her 80.0 innings of work, and her 48 strikeouts on the season is fourth-best in the league.
Canisius freshman Cassie Ho was named the MAAC’s Rookie of the Week on Tuesday, the second time this season she’s been honored as the top newcomer in the league. Ho hit .500 (3-for-6) with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored last weekend for the Blue and Gold at the Mount St. Mary’s Invite. The Honolulu, Hawaii native is hitting .304 with five doubles, two home runs, 11 runs scored and 10 RBI in 19 games played.
Wednesday’s home opener will be the 28th for the Griffs at the Demske Sports Complex. Canisius is 24-3 all-time in its first home game of the season. Last year, the Griffs rallied to beat Buffalo 7-6 in the home opener. This will be just the third time since 2009 where Canisius will play its home opener in the month of March.
Buffalo is 5-24 on the year. The Bulls are 1-2 in MAC play after beating Ball State at home March 26. The Bulls are led by Leandra Jew, who is hitting .388 in 16 games this year. As a team, Buffalo is hitting .247. The team has been outscored 192-82. Ally Power leads the UB pitching staff with her three wins in the circle.
Canisius will open MAAC play on the road, starting April 1 at Fairfield. Canisius is also set to play Iona in New Rochelle, New York April 2.