By: Stephen Lapage
Coming off of an outstanding performance against “Battle of the Bridge” rival, Niagara University, Canisius looked to capture two more wins against MAAC opponents, Iona and Manhattan. The Golden Griffins ended up going 1-1 on the weekend placing them in fourth place in the MAAC.
On Saturday, Canisius was looking to extend their three-game win streak after sweeping Niagara in both matches during the prior week. The Griffins traveled to New Rochelle to take on the Iona Gaels, who were also trying to extend their win streak of two games. Canisius and Iona battled back and forth in the first set, trading points until the very end. Iona nearly edged Canisius in the first set by a score of 26-20.
Canisius looked to battle back in the second set but fell short as Iona won by a score of 25-19. Canisius, still determined to come back, looked for a way to win the third set against Gaels, however, the momentum for Iona never stopped as they would defeat the Griffins by a score of 25-23, finalizing the sweep for Iona.
Senior Ella Loussia had a strong performance with 11 kills and 15 digs. Loussia also recorded an ace in the first set, adding to her streak of at least one ace in a match to 13 games. Junior Alexa Albinson led the teams in blocks putting up 4. Freshman Ella Bourque tallied 29 assists in the match. Bourque for the 13th time now has put up 25 or more assists in a match.
After a tough loss to Iona, Canisius traveled to Riverdale to take on the Manhattan Jaspers. The Griffins seemed determined to get back into the win column as they took the first set by a score of 25-13. Canisius carried their momentum into the next set by a score of 25-18. The Jaspers tried to hold on and take a set from the Griffins to avoid being swept, however, Canisius dominated and took a 25-18 win again, sweeping the Jaspers in three sets. This win extends the Griffins' win streak over the Jaspers to 13 straight as they have not lost to Manhattan since 2017.
Loussia recorded another service ace, extending her streak to 14 straight games now with an ace. She also led the Griffins in kills with 15. Bourque tallied 31 assists, now the 14th time she has put up 25 or more assists in a match. Senior Bree Long led the way with 13 digs and Senior Elle Shult led the Griffins with 5 blocks.
Canisius stays in Buffalo this weekend for a two-game homestand to hope and extend their win streak. The Griffins will take on MAAC opponents Saint Peter’s and Rider on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Comments