2016 Women's Lacrosse Championship Title set with Canisius and Monmouth
MAAC Sports
BUFFALO, NY – Top-seeded Canisius College and third-seeded Monmouth University will meet in the title game of the 2016 Women’s Lacrosse Championship at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 8 in Buffalo, New York at Demske Sports Complex on the campus of Canisius College. The championship final will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
The two-time defending regular season champion Canisius, reached the final for the sixth consecutive year and seventh time overall by way of a 10-7 victory over fifth-seed Fairfield University in the semifinal. The Golden Griffins were led by MAAC Midfielder of the Year, Erica Evans’ five points on a game-high four goals and one assist, Taylor Giglio and Lauren Smolensky both added two goals each for the Griffs in the win. Canisius claimed four straight MAAC crowns from 2011 to 2014 and is tied for the most league titles with former MAAC member LeMoyne.
Monmouth advanced to its first ever MAAC championship final, with a 9-3 semifinal victory over second-seed Marist College. The Hawks were led offensively by the duo of Alexa Smith and Marial Pierce with both recording hat tricks. Defensively, Monmouth held Marist to a season low of three goals, which included holding them to 14 total shots and forcing 14 turnovers. Monmouth has previously won five conference titles in its prior league.
Canisius defeated Monmouth, 19-6, during the regular season on April 16 in Buffalo, New York. The Griffs enter the title contest as the conference leader in points (307) and goals (220). Canisius also owns the league’s best goals against average, allowing 8.26 goals per contest. The Hawks come into the championship final as the MAAC leader in saves (178), save percentage (.467), and saves per game (9.37).
The winner of the 2016 MAAC Women’s Lacrosse Championship earns the league’s automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship. The NCAA Division I selection announcement will take place on Sunday, May 8 at 9:00 p.m. on NCAA.com.
For all up-to-date information on women’s lacrosse, visit maacsports.com and for championship information, visit maacsports.com/womenslax