By Stephen Lapage, Contributor
After an 8–8 season, the women’s lacrosse team looks to improve their season and take the MAAC by storm. The team is focused and determined to make a name for themselves in the MAAC playoffs.
Since their top scorer in 2023, Skylar McArthur, graduated last year, the Griffs will now turn to other players to step up and help the offense, such as graduate student Paige Stachura. Stachura was one of three players on the Canisius roster who were selected for the Preseason All-MAAC Team. Last season, Stachura was second in goals and points and an All-MAAC First Team selection.
Also selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team is senior Jill Galanti. Galanti has been a key part of the Canisius defensive core as top three on the team for both turnovers and ground balls. Her ability to gain possession for the Griffs was a key factor to the high-scoring offense Cansius had last season.
The final player selected to the Preseason All-MAAC team is sophomore Jody Chu. Chu was the only goaltender selected to the team, which adds to her achievements after being selected to the MAAC All-Rookie Team last season. Chu led the goaltending room for Canisius last season with seven wins and 103 saves.
Head coach Russel Allen is confident that his team can compete in the MAAC. “Our offense has been sharing the ball so well, and we are looking very well-rounded, with multiple scoring threats. Players like Paige, Carol and Riley Davis put up great numbers last season, and I think being surrounded by more offensive threats will just open up opportunities for them this season.”
Allen is also excited about the back end of his team. “I have never been more confident in any of my team’s defense than I am heading into this season,” he said. “We have three very strong goalies with a phenomenal senior lead defense in front of them. Our defensive strength gives our team confidence and can be a spark plug for our offense.”
The team was voted to place right outside the top five in the MAAC, as they are projected to finish sixth in the conference.
“We built our schedule to challenge and prepare our team to compete for a conference championship,” Allen said. “The MAAC is one of the best, if not the best, mid-major conference in the country when it comes to women’s lacrosse.”
The Griffs will open their season on Sunday, Feb. 11 against George Washington. The game will be in Washington, D.C., and is expected to have an 11 a.m. face-off.