By Maggie Tifft, Sports Reporter
As the MAAC regular season comes to a close, the Canisius men’s lacrosse team looks to keep their name in the playoff conversation.
The team has begun to see success over the back half of MAAC play, winning three of their last five games.
The Griffs end their season at home against the Sacred Heart Pioneers. The Pioneers are undefeated in conference play and, unlike the Griffs, have clinched a playoff berth as well as the regular season title.
“We’re playing the last regular season game with something on the line. No matter what your situation is, you want to be playing for something going into that last week of the season. That’s the case for us, and Sacred Heart is playing for the perfect regular season in conference play, so we know we’re getting their top effort,” says head coach Mark Miyashita, referencing their final game of the regular season.
Confidence in big moments is something coach Miyashita believes is a strength for his team, from all sides of the ball. This trust has trickled down to the players as well, he said, and is what Coach Miyashita believes to be the aid to their more recent success.
“The team this year is special. We all love each other and are extremely grateful for all the time we spend together. This team truly is a family and we’ve gone through a lot this year to put us into a position to keep playing for something meaningful,” says senior defenseman Robbie Martin. With a strong bond amongst players that extends to the coaches, it exemplifies the team’s values of playing for and with each other, as Coach Miyashita has emphasized to his players all year.
Those whose time with the Griffs will end this year have truly highlighted what coach Miyashita believes Canisius men’s lacrosse is: fast paced, exciting, high-tempoed entertainment.
“The thing I’m going to miss most about gameday with this group is the energy the group of guys brings and the chemistry we have,” says sophomore faceoff specialist Micah Hanson.
With the identity of Canisius men’s lacrosse in full swing, the team is ready and prepared to finish the regular season with a win. Many players have their routines and are excited to prepare for game day one last time when they take on Sacred Heart on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Demske Sports Complex.
Photo courtesy of Chloe Breen