By: Stephen Lapage
After coming off of a huge 3-0 win against Saint Peters on senior day, the Canisius Golden Griffins looked to extend their win streak as they took on three MAAC opponents; Iona, Fairfield, and Marist. The Griffins would go 1-1-1 in these matches, continuing to try and fight their way to the top of the MAAC standings
Canisius started their stretch of games when they headed to New Rochelle to take on the Iona Gaels. Both Canisius and Iona battled hard all game trying to tally a goal. However, both goaltenders put up stellar performances leading to a 0-0 draw. Coming off of getting recognized as the MAAC defensive player of the week, junior goalkeeper Jessica Jones posted her fourth straight shutout making 4 saves in the game. Junior Tiani Fonoti led the Griffins with 5 shots, 2 of which were on goal. After a huge game for sophomore Emma Oliphant against Saint Peters, and receiving MAAC player of the week, Oliphant put up 4 shots with 1 being on goal.
The Griffins traveled back home to take on the Fairfield Stags in hopes of continuing their unbeaten streak. Fairfield came out strong scoring 2 goals in the opening half. Canisius tried to come back in the second half but fell short only putting up one goal and losing 2-1 to snap their unbeaten streak. Sophomore Sophia Konstantinou scored her first career goal in the contest. Even in the loss, Canisius outshot Fairfield 12-8 showing some promise for future offensive breakouts. Canisius looked to bounce back and grab a win at home against the Marist Red Foxes.
Canisius took the Demske field on a cold, rainy day in hopes to get back in the win column by beating Marist. This game was deemed the Pink Game as the team wore pink socks to spread awareness for breast cancer. Both teams moved the ball up and down the field trading shots trying to break the scoreless tie. Freshman Mia Iancona stepped up in the first half by putting one in the back of the net for her first collegiate goal, as well as giving Canisius the 1-0 lead. Both the Griffins and the Red Foxes traded chances to add to the score, however, the goaltenders remained solid in the net as the match ended with Canisius winning 1-0. Canisius junior goaltender Jessica Jones posted another shutout to make it five shutouts in the past six games. Sophomore Emma Oliphant and junior Tiani Fonoti tallied four shots each, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Canisius goes on the road for their last two regular-season games before the MAAC playoffs start. They will travel to Riverdale to play the Manhattan Jaspers at noon on Saturday 10/22 and to Dover to take on Delaware State at noon on Wednesday 10/26.