BUFFALO, N.Y. - An 8-0 first half run was too much for the Niagara women's lacrosse team (1-9, 0-4 MAAC) to climb out of, falling to cross-town rival Canisius College (8-7, 3-1 MAAC) by a final score of 18-6 on Tuesday evening at Demske Sports Complex.

The loss on Tuesday night ended Niagara's chances of advancing to the 2010 MAAC Tournament, in a game that didn't pan out the way the Purple Eagles had hoped. The Golden Griffins controlled much of the first half, owning an 8-0 lead with eight minutes left. Junior Rianne Farrugia netted three goals and Nicole Karek added a tally late in the first half, which put Niagara down 11-4 at halftime.

The second half played out much like its predecessor, with Canisius going on a 6-0 run, on their way to a 17-4 lead with 6:30 remaining in regulation. Farrugia netted her team-high fourth goal of the game and senior Courtney Formato added a goal in the final minutes of the second half to pull Niagara within 11, but they would come no closer. 

Farrugia finished the game with four goals, while Formato ended the game with a goal and an assist. By virtue of winning, Canisius gained two points in the 2009-10 Battle of the Bridge series, which Niagara already clinched a few weeks ago.

Niagara will close out the 2010 campaign with away games at Manhattan and Iona this coming weekend.