BUFFALO, N.Y.-- The Sacred Heart University men's lacrosse team dropped its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener, 10-8, on the road at Canisius on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers suffer their first loss against a conference opponent since the 2023 season. 

Records: 
Sacred Heart: 4-2, (0-1 MAAC) 
Canisius: 1-6, (1-0 MAAC)

Stat Leaders:
Tucker Spencer: 2 goals, 1 assist (3 points)
Jake Ward: 2 goals (2 points)
John Murray: 2 goals (2 points) 
Michael Amoruso: 1 goal, 1 assist (2 points)
Will Moulton: 1 goal, 1 assist (2 points) 

Of Note:
Sacred Heart held a 6-4 edge heading into the final frame, but a five-goal run for Canisius put the hosts ahead 10-7 at 7:39. Jake Ward scored at 5:59 to pull the Pioneers within two, but in the final minutes, the Golden Griffs defense shut down five Sacred Heart shots to secure their first win of the season. 

Tucker Spencer and Ward scored the first two goals of the game to put the Pios ahead early, but with 5:00 in the first, Canisius found the back of the net to cut the deficit to one, 2-1, heading into the second quarter.

Michael Amoruso and Will Moulton both scored in the second, and the Pios allowed just one goal as Sacred Heart held a 5-2 edge at the half.

Canisius scored first in the third quarter to pull within two, but Spencer scored his second of the day to regain the three-goal lead, 6-3. Canisius scored the final goal of the third and first goal of the fourth to pull within one, but John Murray answered for the Pioneers to take a two-goal lead 7-5 at 13:03. 

Canisius scored its first of a five-goal run at 12:17 and capped it at 7:39 to take control of the game.

Alex Pazienza made 10 saves in the setback, his fifth game of the season with double-digit stops. 

The Pios struggled in faceoffs, only winning seven compared to the Golden Griff's 15. 

Up Next: 
Sacred Heart will return home on Saturday, March 15, to take on preseason favorite Siena at noon on Campus Field.