Panthers Top Canisius Behind Program-Record Six Goals From Murray

Tuesday, February 28

Pittsburgh, PA

4:00 PM

Pitt

3-2

Canisius

3-1

CANISIUS

Pitt

Panthers Top Canisius Behind Program-Record Six Goals From Murray

2/28/2023 9:47:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Photo Gallery

PITTSBURGH, PA – Thanks to a total team effort on offense, including a program record of six goals in a game by Maeve Murray, Pitt Lacrosse got back in the win column with a 16-8 win over Canisius Tuesday night.

"We're really proud of the turnaround, having lost almost all of our starting lineup from last year," said Head Coach Emily Boissonneault following tonight's win. "I think we gained a lot of confidence from this game and I thought our team handled it really well."

Pitt got off to a dominant start in this one, scoring just over 30 seconds into the ballgame and did not let up from there. The Panthers outscored the Golden Griffins 5-0 in the first quarter including two goals by Murray and one a piece by Madigan Lublin, Talia Zuco and Molly Carter. It wasn't all offense though as goalie Hannah Van Middelem did not allow a goal and saved five shots to hold it down defensively.

The second quarter was more back and forth, as both teams put three in the back of the net. The final two goals of the first half were scored by Canisius to avoid a total blowout after 30 minutes.

The Panthers reestablished their control on the contest in the third quarter. They opened the frame by scoring the first four goals including two more by Murray, another by Carter and an additional goal by Emily Coughlin. The Golden Griffins did end the quarter strongly again, scoring three in the last five and a half minutes surrounding one Ava Washington goal.

The seven-goal lead entering the final quarter would not be squandered by Pitt. Two Panthers scored their first goals in the blue and gold: Ava Sumwalt and Sammie Giroux. Plus, Murray scored number six to set the new program record for goals in a single game.

On the night, 11 Pitt players besides Murray recorded a point and Van Middelem and Molly Cain combined for 11 saves between the pipes. Caroline Netti led the Golden Griffins with four goals in the game but goalie Jody Chu only managed to record one save.

"The team came together, worked together and followed the systems to bounce back from our last loss and get a big win," said Murray after tonight's standout performance.

Next up for the Panthers is an ACC road trip to Louisville, Kentucky as the Cardinals host Pitt Sunday at 4 p.m. The two teams will join forces to host their pride game with many promotions and activities surrounding the matchup.

Last season, Pitt defeated Louisville for their first ACC victory on record and then beat the Cardinals again in the ACC Championship.

"We are looking forward to the game," said Boissonneault regarding Saturday's upcoming contest. "It's really hard to beat a team three times and we are expecting a big fight."