By Colton Pankiewicz, Sports Editor
Jody Chu sees more than just lacrosse balls coming her way, she’s seen her team play in every game this season and has stood between the pipes for both the best, and the worst for her team.
After being named to the All-MAAC rookie team in 2023 and as a member of the preseason All-MAAC team prior to this season, expectations for Chu were as high as ever, and statistically, she’s still exceeding them. The sophomore goaltender currently holds career-highs in save percentage, .448, and goals against average, 10.11. “Last year my biggest need was consistency. I want to shoot for a save percentage of 40 and I think I’m doing better than last year,” Chu said.
Chu has seen her team play some streaks of good lacrosse and some streaks of not so good lacrosse. To start the year. Canisius hopped out to a record of 8–1. Since then, the Griffs are 2–5, and sit at 3–5 in conference play. Chu says a lot of the reason for those losses revolves around “having each other’s backs.” She knows in terms of relationships that the team is there for each other but it’s a matter of standing tall when one aspect of their game fails.
In their most recent loss against Niagara, Chu held herself accountable for a performance she felt could’ve been better. “Last night during our game I definitely think as a goalie I didn’t have my best game, especially considering how well our offense did in scoring.” After having off-games, Chu reflects, watches film and tries to get back on track during practices, though the quick turnarounds make it tough. Mentally, she tries to think about the games where she played well and leans on her teammates for support.
With a single game remaining in the regular season, Canisius has to win Sunday’s finale against Rider to clinch a postseason berth. In the MAAC, the top six teams make the playoffs, with Canisius currently holding the final playoff spot. Chu said the challenge starts Sunday, when they play the Broncs, who currently sit in seventh in the standings and could jump the Griffs with a win over them. “We can't go against Rider and base what's gonna happen off the fact that our record is better – we have to focus on the present.”
Chugging towards the postseason, the netminder views her team as one that can compete down the stretch. “I definitely think this team can win the MAAC. There will be some tough battles but our team's grittiness and determination I think makes us capable.”
Photo courtesy of GoGriffs