Women’s lacrosse looks to first-round clash with Quinnipiac

By Paige Apps, Sports Reporter

The Canisius Golden Griffins women's lacrosse team will open postseason play with confidence and familiarity; they prepare to host the Quinnipiac Bobcats in the first round of the 2026 MAAC Women's Lacrosse Championships at the Demske Sports Complex on April 26. 

Canisius enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed after putting together an impressive regular season, finishing 12–4 overall and 6–2 in conference play. The Griffs established themselves as one of the most complete teams in the MAAC, combining a high-powered offense with a defense capable of forcing turnovers and controlling possessions. Their ability to pull away late in games – highlighted by a dominant closing stretch in their regular-season finale – has been a defining trait throughout the year.

That momentum is paired with an added edge: experience against their upcoming opponent. Earlier this season, the Griffs defeated Quinnipiac, a result that could provide both confidence and a tactical blueprint heading into Saturday’s matchup. While postseason games often take on a different level of intensity, having already solved the Bobcats once gives Canisius a valuable reference point.

Offensively, the Griffs have consistently found success by spreading production across the lineup, making them difficult to defend. One constant, however, has been freshman standout Ella Forcucci, whose record-breaking season added another dimension to the attack. Her ability to finish scoring chances and generate points elevated Canisius into one of the conference’s most dangerous offensive teams.

Beyond scoring, Canisius excelled in the smaller details that often decide games. The team routinely won the ground ball battle, disrupted opposing possessions and capitalized on key opportunities. These factors allowed the Griffs to control tempo and dictate play, even in tighter contests.

Quinnipiac, entering as the No. 6 seed, will look to flip the script and extend its season, but Canisius holds clear advantages in both record and recent form. Playing at home only strengthens that position as the Griffs benefit from the familiarity and support of the Demske beach and its fans.

With a strong regular season behind them and a previous win over their first-round opponent, Canisius is well-positioned to make a statement in the MAAC tournament. The challenge now is to translate that success into postseason results – and take the first step toward a championship run.

Griffs celebrating a goal on senior day (via Lindy Feider)