STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
BUFFALO — The Canisius women’s lacrosse team completed another perfect regular-season in conference play with an 18-9 win over Niagara Wednesday evening from the Demske Sports Complex, going 8-0 in the MAAC for a third consecutive season. Junior Erica Evans had a game-high six goals and eight points, while sophomore Jourdan Roemer also played exceptional lacrosse for the Blue and Gold, adding five goals and an assist.
The Griffs and Purple Eagles were stuck in a close battle at the half (9-7 Canisius), with Niagara cutting the score to 9-8 out of the break, but Canisius awoke offensively in the second half, going on a 7-0 run leading to the team’s ultimate victory.
The Golden Griffins jumped on Niagara early with two goals by Roemer at 29:00 and 27:34, but the Purple Eagles would add two of the games next three scores to slash the score to 3-2 at the 16:51 mark.
Canisius would add the games next two tallies, from Evans and junior Allie Stewart, for a 5-2 lead at 11:35. Niagara responded with force however, going on a 4-0 run to take their first lead of the day at 6-5 (6:47).
The Griffs would quickly follow suite, going on a 4-0 run of their own, for a 9-6 lead at 4:31 of the first. Niagara netted another goal down the stretch to give Canisius the 9-7 lead at the break. Scoring in the Canisius run were Evans (2), Roemer and junior Jen Reininger.
Niagara’s Rachel MacCheyne added her fourth goal of the night to make it a 9-8 Blue and Gold lead at 29:22 of the second, but the Griffs sealed the game with the 7-0 scoring spurt over the next 18:54 of the contest.
Evans would add her fourth and fifth goals of the night in the run, while sophomore Tessa Chad scored three times in the span.
The Griffs would add two of the games final three goals, Evans and Roemer, over the final 7:50 of play for the 18-9 win.
Junior Rebecca VanLaken gained the win in net for the Griffs, making six saves, and moving to 13-4 on the season. Niagara goalkeeper Andrea Francisco now holds an 8-9 record after the loss.
Sophomore Ellen Newton entered the game out of halftime for the Griffs and did an admirable job, making five saves, while allowing only two goals.
After winning their third consecutive MAAC Regular Season Championship, the Golden Griffins will host the MAAC tournament from the Demske Sports Complex beginning next Friday. Their semifinal game will be held Friday, May 5 at a time to be announced. The Championship contest will be held on Sunday May 7 at Noon.
