By: Hunter Lobur Cummins
The Canisius women’s lacrosse team fell 14–9 in the battle of “Golden” programs to Marquette of the Big East Conference on Friday March 4 at the Demske Sports Complex for the team’s first loss of the season. It was head coach Russell Allen’s first blemish as leader of the Griffins’ program.
Kaitlyn Salce opened the scoring in the first period with a goal for Canisius, though that was the only offense the Golden Griffs were able to muster for the rest of the quarter. Marquette was able to score three times unanswered to take a two-goal lead heading into the next frame. Two of Kyra LaMotte’s five goals, which led the way for the Golden Eagles, were netted in this period.
In the second quarter, the Golden Griffins were able to claw back and force a 5–5 tie going into halftime. However, the team was certainly restricted in its abilities as it suffered three penalty calls throughout the period. Megan Hoffman, Caroline Netti, Paige Stachura and Katie Smolensky all found the back of the net to contribute for Canisius. Hoffman’s goal came in one of the man-down situations. The Griffs did sacrifice three goals during this quarter, one of which was on a man-up situation for Marquette.
The third period of play was a defensive struggle, as only three total goals were scored between the two teams. It was Marquette with two of them as the Golden Eagles took a 7–6 lead entering the final quarter. For Canisius, Katie Smolensky had the team’s lone tally.
Marquette’s seven-goal outburst in the fourth period is what sealed the game for the Golden Eagles, as Canisius could only convert three times of their own. The 14–9 final dropped the Golden Griffins to 4–1 and improved the Golden Eagles to 3–4 on the year.
Next up for the Griffs is a midweek showdown versus the Binghamton Bearcats in Vestal, New York on Wednesday March 9 at 4 p.m. The Bearcats sit at .500 on the season so far, with an even 3–3 record. The Golden Griffins will look to get their first win of the season in as many tries versus a fellow New York State opponent, as the team has three straight matchups coming against Empire State programs.