By Maggie Tifft, Sports Reporter
The Griffs have officially wrapped up non-conference play and look to face their conference foes in MAAC play.
Their final pre-season game was played Tuesday, March 12, in which the St. Bonaventure Bonnies were victorious with a 12–8 score. Canisius has seen one MAAC opponent already in Quinnipiac and also came up short 14–7.
“It gives us a chance to reset ourselves mentally. It starts today with a great practice and getting back to the basics,” said head coach Mark Miyashita following the recent loss to Little Three rival St. Bonaventure.
The games scheduled prior to MAAC play were against opponents with very similar styles of play. This allowed for the close game scenarios the Griffs wished to face before MAAC competition, according to coach Miyashita: “It will give us that experience where big moments aren’t too big for us.”
With an overall record of 2–5 just about halfway into the season, the Golden Griffins begin to hone in on what their bread and butter is and what they bring to the table — for this team, it is the effort level and tenacity given every single day. “In practice or games, we know our effort is what gives us results, so we strive to be a hustle team that makes hustle plays which result in success,” says Miyashita.
The effort and hustle are to be in full view this week as the team heads to Poughkeepsie to face the Marist Red Foxes in their second MAAC contest, their first on the road. Getting a road win for the Griffs would put them at .500 for road games and would end the two-game losing streak they currently have.
“Marist has a veteran offense, so we have to be ready,” Miyashita explained. “We know they are looking to play fast, and on the road you have no distractions, just the game to play.”
To catch the Saturday matchup for the Griffs, check out ESPN+ at 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Tom Wolf/tomwolf.smugmug.com
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