By Isabella Custodi, Sports Reporter
Senior Gianna Fazzolari has proved to be a major asset to Canisius softball with her recent career achievement of setting the record for the most career home runs in program history.
Fazzolari reached her career milestone over the weekend on April 6 against St. Peter’s. She now has hit 25 career home runs, passing Lauren Castro with 24. She started this season with 19 home runs, and since then she has gained eight more. Her new program record is now 27 home runs after Sunday’s game on Apr. 7.
“It was an amazing experience and something that I will carry with me forever,” Fazzolari said. “I plan on continuing this homerun train for as long as I am able.”
Along with the most career home runs, Fazzolari is now also second for most career RBIs. She sits at 129 career RBIs, passing Jody Tassone with 125. In first with the RBI record is Meg Thompson with 144. Fazzolari has the rest of the season to get 15 more RBIs to tie for first.
Fazzolari is proud of her accomplishments, but her focus is on the game. “I actually had no idea about it until the instagram post Griffs softball made a few weeks ago. Having records to break and chase is a great feeling, but for now I am focused on getting things done on the field to make sure my team is successful,” says Fazzolari.
She most recently had two season highs during the double header against St. Peter’s. She had three hits and six runs batted in on April 6. Last year her season high for RBIs was four. Her batting average for this season sits at .367 with 79 at-bats for the season. Last year her batting average ended at .306 with 108 at-bats.
As a senior, Fazzolari has been a team leader and in charge of keeping team morale up. She is proud to play alongside her teammates as she continues to strive on the field: “My role on the team, as a senior, is to be a leader. I have a great relationship with all of my teammates and I strive to make sure that they see the best in themselves, always.”
With the guidance of Fazzolari, the Griff’s softball team is at 7–4 in conference play, sitting in third place in the MAAC. Next up for Fazzolari and her teammates will be a three-game weekend in New Rochelle, NY against Iona on April 13-14.
Photo courtesy of GoGriffs