By Stephen Lapage
The Canisius men’s lacrosse team looked to celebrate the proud seniors in their program with a game against the Wagner Seahawks at the Demske Sports Complex. The Golden Griffins were stripped of extra senior day celebrations, as they dropped the game 10–8.
Carney had another great performance in the loss, as he scored three goals against Wagner, his third hat trick this year, to add to his impressive rookie campaign. His efforts led to him receiving his second MAAC Rookie of the Week award of the season.
Goaltender Tommy Kunz made 14 saves in the contest, the 12th time he had a double-digit save performance. Faceoff specialist Micah Hanson was able to win eight more draws in the match. This puts him five faceoff wins away from setting a record for the most faceoff wins in a single season.
The Griffs took control of the game early, as they scored back-to-back goals in the first quarter to give them a two-goal lead, before Wagner responded with two goals of their own. The teams began to trade goals back and forth before the end of the first quarter, but Canisius was able to maintain a one-goal lead going into the second quarter, thanks to a last-second goal scored by attackman Kevin Carney.
Canisius was able to score quickly in the second quarter by capitalizing on the man-up opportunity, but the lead wouldn’t last long. The Seahawks struck back with two goals for themselves that tied the game at five. Both teams battled to try to add another goal to their total, but only Canisius was able to score to give them a 6–5 lead going into halftime.
Wagner was able to strike first in the second half, tying the game at six for most of the third quarter. Canisius battled back and scored two unanswered goals to regain the lead. Wagner kept themselves in it by scoring one more goal before the end of the quarter, giving Canisius a one-goal lead heading into the final quarter.
Wagner was determined to get back into the game as they scored quickly in the game to create another tie. The Seahawks rode their wave of momentum in the fourth quarter, as they scored two more goals before the end of the game to deliver them their win.
The Golden Griffins will play their last game of the regular season on Saturday, April 22 when they travel to Fairfield, Connecticut to take on the Sacred Heart Pioneers. Faceoff is scheduled for a noon start time.