Niagara University, NY (March 21, 2003) - Niagara senior Sandra Gallegos (Clarkston, Mich./Clarence) scored one goal and added five assists and senior Megan McNerney (Little York, N.Y./Homer) scored four goals to help guide the Purple Eagles to an 18-2 win over Canisius College Thursday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex. The win improves Niagara's record to 2-1 overall, while Canisius sees its 2002 season open with a 0-1 record.

Niagara freshman Ashley Baker (W.Henrietta, N.Y./Rush-Henrietta) was credited with three goals in the winning effort, while teammates Ashley Grosso (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) , Kelly Barber (Homer, N.Y./Homer) and Jolene Gansworth (Sanborn, N.Y./Nia. Wheatfield) each added two goals apiece. Sophomore goalkeeper Michelle Nucci (Plainview, N.Y./Bethpage) played all 60 minutes between the pipes for the visiting Purple Eagles. She made three saves en route to picking up her second win of the season.

Senior Jamie Ottney and sophomore Gina Balducci each scored for the Griffs offensively. Senior Sarah Royer played 58:20 in net, and allowed 11 goals on 37 Niagara shots. She made 10 saves in the game. Junior Christine Moran finished the game in net for Canisius, allowing one goal.

Niagara will return to action March 23 against Sacred Heart at 10 a.m.