The Canisius College women's lacrosse team cruised to a 16-3 victory over Howard on Saturday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex. With the win, the Griffs improve to 2-3 on the season, while the Bison fall to 0-3.

Sophomore Brianne Laffey (Pittsburgh, Pa.) led the Griffs' attack with a career-best seven points, scoring two goals and adding five assists. Senior Chelsea Martinez (Bethpage, N.Y.) tallied four points and three goals, while senior Shannon Callahan (Orchard Park, N.Y.) plus freshmen Megan Oosting (Lakefield, Ontario) and Theresa Walton (Syracuse, N.Y.) each added a pair of goals.

Senior Ashley Gray (Baldwinsville, N.Y.), junior Marissa Brown (Syracuse, N.Y.) and freshmen Rachel Brand (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Kristy Wilensky (Syracuse, N.Y.) each notched a goal to round out the scoring for the Griffs. Both Callahan and Wilensky tallied their first collegiate goals in the win.

Senior Sarah Podlesh (Pittsford, N.Y.) made her first career start in goal to earn the victory. Canisius forced Howard into 30 turnovers with Gray leading the defensive effort, posting four caused turnovers.

"It was a good team effort," said Canisius head coach Scott Teeter. "It was great to see Shannon Callahan and Kristy Wilensky score their first goals and for Sarah Podlesh to get her first win. Today we had a balanced attack and I was quite impressed on Howard's work ethic for the entire game. I hope that we are able to build on this win and carry the momentum into tomorrow's contest."

Canisius started the game quickly, jumping to a 5-0 advantage less than five minutes into the contest. Martinez scored the first two goals of the game 42 seconds apart before Gray, Laffey and Callahan found the back of the net.

The Griffs added to its lead throughout the first half, scoring seven more goals to head into intermission with a 12-0 advantage. Canisius then outscored the Bison, 4-3, in the second half en route to the 13-goal margin of victory.

Ashley Lawrence led Howard with two goals, while Nyla Funderburk recorded 10 saves in net.

The Griffs are back in action tomorrow afternoon, hosting Robert Morris. Game time at the Demske Sports Complex is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Game Notes: Martinez moved past former teammate Erica Nasca into fifth place in the school record book with 86 career points ... Laffey now has 16 assists in her career, tied for the eighth-most in the program's history ... Howard went 6-for-28 in clearing opportunities ... Canisius outshot the Bison, 36-3, including a 28-0 advantage in the first half.

2009-03-07