By Ian Caskie, Sports Reporter
After starting the season on a 10 game road trip, the Griffs are looking to string some wins together after coming back to Buffalo with a 3–7 record.
The Canisius softball team traveled across three states and played in both the USC Upstate Tournament and the Pirate Invitational (hosted by East Carolina). The team also played a two-game series against Furman during the trip.
While the Griffs’ record may not show it, the team is certainly producing on offense. Head Coach Kim Griffin’s outfield is leading the way with Ella Johel, Alyssa Cloutier and MAAC Rookie of the Week Tabitha von Kolen all being major contributors at the plate. Johel is currently batting at a .429 average and leads the team in hits (12), home runs (2) and RBIs (6). Cloutier has been a force to be reckoned with on the basepaths, going eight for eight in stolen base attempts and is second on the team in on base percentage at 43%, only trailing Johel.
Not to be overlooked is von Kolen, who secured this week’s MAAC Rookie of the Week after batting three for six with a triple, two walks and a sacrifice RBI in the Pirate Invitational. Cara Edwards was also celebrated this week, receiving the British Softball Federation Young FastPitch Player of the Year. Edwards has been used primarily as a designated player and pinch hitter so far this year, accumulating one hit, six walks and two RBIs in eight appearances.
Olivia Manchester gave the Griffs a slew of standout performances across the road trip.
Manchester has accounted for all of Canisius’ wins, leading the pitching staff with 20 K’s, 29 innings pitched and a team low 1.91 ERA. Each of Manchester’s wins have been complete games, including an impressive showing against Loyola Chicago on Feb. 23, where she recorded six K’s and one earned run off five hits in an eight-inning performance.
If there is one reason to point to explaining the Griffs’ record, it would be their fielding. Canisius is tied for first in the conference in errors with 14, and they sit towards the middle of the MAAC in fielding percentage at .947.
The Griffs are currently on a rare mid-season break, and will not play again until March 7, when they travel to play at the Penn State Invitational against their conference rival Fairfield. That game will start a nine game road trip, where the Golden Griffs will face off against formidable opponents Penn State, Colgate, Lafayette, Lehigh and UMBC.
Photo courtesy of Canisius Athletics
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