Women’s basketball prepares for home opener against familiar face

By: Maggie Tifft, Assistant Sports Editor

The women’s basketball team began the 2025-26 season with a road loss, but looks ahead to their home opener with some familiar faces coming to Buffalo.

The Griffs faced No. 13-ranked Michigan on Tuesday, where they fell to the Wolverines 100–40; however, with a quick turnaround to prepare for their first home game, there was no time to rest.

“The biggest difference from last year to this year is that we focused on winning in January. Our goal this year is to be competitive now,” said Head Coach Tiffany Swoffard. Tuesday’s contest highlighted 10 different players who took to the court, with junior Mary Copple leading the way with eight points. Junior Shariah Gailes picked up right where she left off last season, notching nine rebounds – the highest number of anyone on the court.

Swoffard emphasized how the team embraced the challenge of competing against Michigan, and took away key factors they can improve upon for their next game. “And I think a couple of things happened in that game. We started off really well, we had opportunities to respond to adversity, but what I’m most proud of is that we got to a good place. We ended the game the way we wanted,” continued Swoffard.

The Griffs’ home opener on Friday is against Eastern Michigan, led by Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh, who makes her return to the Koessler Athletic Center. Nusseibeh, the former Canisius women’s basketball head coach, worked alongside Swoffard at the University of Miami Ohio. “Sahar and I go way back, and we’re really good friends,” said Coach Swoffard when asked about Coach Nusseibeh. “But for us, once we get ready to play, the people on the other side don’t really matter,” continued Swoffard.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. inside the Koessler Athletic Center on Friday. After that the Griffs are back on the road for a game at Syracuse Tuesday, Nov. 11 before facing Little Three rival St. Bonaventure in Olean on Friday, Nov. 14.