By: Hunter Lobur Cummins
The Canisius women’s lacrosse team continued their undefeated start this past Sunday with a 12–10 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Demske Sports Complex. It was the first meeting between the two programs, as this is Pitt’s first year as a Division I program.
The first quarter ended up tied at three apiece, as neither team could gain full control of the game. Paige Stachura opened the scoring for the Griffs, while Katie Smolensky and Caroline Netti found the back of the net as well to round out the first period of play.
In the second quarter, Canisius opened up a two-goal lead, with scores from Caroline Netti, Riley Davis and Paige Stachura. Pitt’s one marker was scored on a man-up situation, so the Griffs played stellar defense during even-strength scenarios.
As the teams resumed play in the third quarter coming out of halftime, the Panthers struck for three unanswered goals to take a 7–6 lead. Canisius did not fold at that junction though, as Caroline Netti added two more of her own to regain the lead for the Griffs.
In the last frame of play, Canisius came out firing on all cylinders as the team scored four unanswered of their own to widen the lead to 12–7. Megan Hoffman scored on a man up situation, while Katie Smolensky scored for a second time. Caroline Netti netted a fifth, and Paige Stachura scored for a third time in the game.
Pittsburgh did not go away quietly though, as the Panthers put three more goals on the scoreboard before the clock ran out. The 12–10 win moved the Griffs to an unblemished 4–0 on the year, all wins coming against programs hailing from the state of Pennsylvania.
Next up for Canisius is the 2–3 Marquette Golden Eagles. The team is riding high after coming off of a 22–9 thrashing of the Detroit Mercy Titans in its last contest. The Golden Eagles will make the long trip in from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to play the Golden Griffins at the Demske Sports Complex on Friday, March 4 at 4 p.m. It will be yet another opportunity for Canisius to stay unbeaten in non-conference play on the season.