Volleyball faces critical road stretch as postseason looms

By: Paige Apps, Sports Reporter

The Canisius volleyball team endured a tough weekend on the road, dropping back-to-back five-set matches that tightened the MAAC postseason race and added new urgency to the final weeks of the season.

The two losses dropped Canisius to 10–14 overall and 8–6 in MAAC play, placing them fifth in the latest conference standings. Fairfield (13–1), Quinnipiac (12–2) and Niagara (11–3) have already clinched their postseason tickets, while Rider (10–4) sits in fourth and currently holds the advantage in the race for the final hosting spot.

Canisius can still control its path to the MAAC Championship, but the loss to Saint Peter’s removed one of its most favorable clinching opportunities. Now, the Griffs must defeat Sacred Heart to guarantee a postseason spot. A win over the Pioneers would eliminate the possibility of falling into a multi-team tie with Sacred Heart, Merrimack or Marist – all of whom are within two matches of Canisius. Additional wins would provide a cushion, but Sacred Heart has become the key must-win matchup.

Earning a home match is still possible, though more complicated. Since Canisius already lost to Rider in their second meeting this season, the Griffs do not hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. To overcome the Broncs for the No. 4 seed, Canisius would need to finish at least one game ahead of Rider in the final standings, and win remaining matchups against lower-tier opponents, particularly Merrimack, while potentially scoring an upset over top-seeded opponents Fairfield or Quinnipiac to close the gap.

With four of their final six matches on the road and multiple teams still within striking distance, the Griffs have minimal margin for error. Strong performances down the stretch will determine whether Canisius simply secures a place in the postseason field or makes a late push to bring MAAC tournament volleyball back to Buffalo.

The Blue and Gold finish up their road stretch at Sacred Heart on Friday and at No. 1 Fairfield on Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of Lucas Dembski