Nonconference high note sparks entry into MAAC-tion for women’s lacrosse

By: Paige Apps, Sports Reporter

The Canisius women’s lacrosse team wrapped up its nonconference schedule on a strong note Wednesday afternoon, earning a 12–7 victory over Le Moyne at home on the Demske beach.

The Golden Griffins improved to a 6–2 overall record with their second straight win, carrying momentum into the start of conference play next weekend.

A balanced offensive effort fueled the victory as senior Maggie Tifft, alongside juniors Lauren Matyka, Maddie Fitzgerald and Ashlyn Dhandwar, all recorded two goals. The quartet helped spark a key stretch in the first half that shifted the momentum firmly in Canisius’ favor.

After falling behind early, the Griffs found their rhythm midway through the opening quarter when Tifft scored to put Canisius on the board. The goal ignited a dominant 7–1 run that extended into the second quarter, and gave the home team control heading into halftime with a 7–5 lead.

“I think this was one of those games where not a ton of things went right and as planned, but we were just really gritty, and we had to fight through and win an ugly game,” Head Coach Russell Allen noted after the contest.

Both teams traded goals in the third quarter as Canisius maintained a 9–7 advantage entering the final quarter. From there, the Griffs tightened defensively and closed the game with a strong finish. Freshman Ella Forcucci, Tifft and Matyka each scored in the final frame to help seal the victory.

Graduate goalkeeper Isabel Gautreaux played a key role in the closing minutes after entering the contest in the second half, taking over from junior Olivia Licardi’s start. Gautreaux made four saves on six shots to earn her second win of the season.

Allen commented on the defense’s ability to step up to the challenge, stating that Gautreaux, “changed the energy from us as our goalie that gave us a ton of confidence.”

The Griffs’ defensive pressure also proved pivotal throughout the afternoon. Junior Harper Weatherdon recorded a career-high five caused turnovers as Canisius forced 27 giveaways while senior Briaunna D’Andrade collected a career-best seven ground balls. Senior Meg Hiltz added a season-high three assists to pace the offense.

With non-conference play complete, the Griffs now turn their focus to the MAAC schedule. The upcoming matchup against the Manhattan Jaspers begins an important stretch for the Blue and Gold as they shift their focus toward conference play and the race for positioning in the MAAC standings.

“MAAC play is so exciting, I always love going to Connecticut and playing the teams down there because that’s where I’m from,” Allen explained. “Transition will definitely be something we’re working on. I think if we clean that up, we take a five-point lead to a 10-point lead, so that’ll be a huge focus, and just kind of going through our systems, getting them nice and sharp and making sure that we’re firing on all cylinders.”

Canisius was ranked ninth in the MAAC 2026 Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll, but currently ranks first in conference with their 6–2 record – sitting just ahead of Fairfield and Siena’s 5–3 record. The team will open conference action against Manhattan on the road on March 21.