By Maggie Tifft, Sports Reporter
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has yet to have a repeat champion since the 2006-07 season, so each year creates the opportunity for a new winner. With a conference as unpredictable as the Metro Atlantic, the Griffs continue each season to push past the success of the prior season. The goal for the men’s lacrosse team has never wavered. Winning a MAAC championship and appearing in the NCAA tournament are the goals coach Mark Miyashita has come into every season with.
The men’s lacrosse team has been a member of the MAAC for nearly 20 years now, and since coach Miyashita took over in 2018, they have been up and down in conference play with a record of 12–24.
The Griffs, prior to Miyashita, had come into the 2018 season with a 4–2 record in conference play. With a strong record, the Griffs looked to continue the success they saw the season prior and return to the MAAC championship series. In one year of running the Griffs, Miyashita led the team to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2012 season.
Each season is unique in regards to training. This year, the team put an emphasis on mental toughness and strengthening their nerves and emotions in tough situations, according to coach Miyashita. In only eight games this season, Canisius has claimed an overtime win, an overtime loss, road wins and tight games where they came out on top.
Having finished their non-conference schedule and facing two MAAC opponents already, the team is focused on using the skills they learned in the off season and applying them to crucial games that could lock in their spot in playoffs. With numerous returners and senior leadership the team is confident in their abilities to end the four game losing streak.
Canisius lacrosse will host an opportunity to better their count with a conference game against Manhattan on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Demske Sports Complex.
Photo courtesy of Tom Wolf
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