Photo by: Katelynn Wiesniewski
Softball Hosts Canisius for MAAC Play this Weekend
3/13/2026 3:12:00 PM | Softball
The weekend series kicks off on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a doubleheader
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Sacred Heart University softball team continues Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play on Saturday, March 14, with a home doubleheader against Canisius, beginning at 1 p.m. at Pioneer Park. SHU will play the Golden Griffins again on Sunday at noon to conclude the weekend series.
GAME INFORMATION
Game 1: Sacred Heart vs. Canisius - Saturday, March 14; 1:00 p.m.
Game 2: Sacred Heart vs. Canisus - Saturday, March 14; 3:00 p.m.
Game 3: Sacred Heart vs. Canisius - Sunday, March 15; 12:00 p.m.
Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats
FIRST COLLEGIATE WIN
On Wednesday, first year pitcher Emily Campion picked up her first collegiate win against Hofstra. The Excelsior, Minn., native struck out three batters and allowed one run over 6.0 innings to lead the Pioneers to a 4-1 victory. Wednesday's win marked Campion's second collegiate game throwing more than one inning and it tied her season-high in strikeouts.
ELLE'S EXCELLENCE
Sophomore utility player Elle Leckrone continues to rake at the start of her second season. The La Canada, Calif., native went 3-for-3 in the win over Hofstra on Wednesday, her sixth multi-hit game of the year. She also tallied two RBIs and a double to guide the Pios to victory. Leckrone heads into the weekend as the team's batting average leader at .377 (23-for-61), as she also has nine runs, nine RBIs, four doubles and two home runs. The second game against Hofstra brought an end to a four-game hit streak for Leckrone.
SCOUTING CANISIUS
SERIES HISTORY
LOOKING AHEAD
The Pioneers hit the road on Tuesday, March 17, for a single game at Stony Brook beginning at 1 p.m.
GAME INFORMATION
Game 1: Sacred Heart vs. Canisius - Saturday, March 14; 1:00 p.m.
Game 2: Sacred Heart vs. Canisus - Saturday, March 14; 3:00 p.m.
Game 3: Sacred Heart vs. Canisius - Sunday, March 15; 12:00 p.m.
Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats
FIRST COLLEGIATE WIN
On Wednesday, first year pitcher Emily Campion picked up her first collegiate win against Hofstra. The Excelsior, Minn., native struck out three batters and allowed one run over 6.0 innings to lead the Pioneers to a 4-1 victory. Wednesday's win marked Campion's second collegiate game throwing more than one inning and it tied her season-high in strikeouts.
ELLE'S EXCELLENCE
Sophomore utility player Elle Leckrone continues to rake at the start of her second season. The La Canada, Calif., native went 3-for-3 in the win over Hofstra on Wednesday, her sixth multi-hit game of the year. She also tallied two RBIs and a double to guide the Pios to victory. Leckrone heads into the weekend as the team's batting average leader at .377 (23-for-61), as she also has nine runs, nine RBIs, four doubles and two home runs. The second game against Hofstra brought an end to a four-game hit streak for Leckrone.
SCOUTING CANISIUS
- The Griffs enter this weekend's series with an overall record of 4-8 after going 0-4 last weekend against tough competition in Akron and Marshall. Prior to that, they started the season 4-4 through their first eight games, averaging just over four runs per contest during that stretch.
- This weekend's matchup will mark the Griffs' first MAAC series of the season. Entering the year, they were picked eighth in the 2026 MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, three spots behind the Pioneers
- The Canisius offense has largely revolved around Sofia Escoto and Ella Johel. Through 12 games, Escoto is batting an impressive .323. She has recorded 10 hits, with half going for extra bases, including four doubles and one home run. Escoto has also driven in seven RBIs during the 2026 campaign so far.
- Ella Johel, a Preseason All-MAAC Team selection, has gotten off to a strong start this season. Johel is batting .294 and has recorded two doubles and one home run so far in the 2026 campaign. In addition to her production at the plate, she leads the team with six walks, consistently getting on base. Johel also leads the Griffs with nine runs scored.
- On the pitching side, Olivia Manchester has led the way for Canisius. Through nine appearances, she has posted a 2.20 ERA across 28.2 innings pitched. Manchester has recorded 25 strikeouts while issuing just two walks, showcasing strong command.
- Mikalia Obenrader has also handled a large portion of the innings for the Griffs. Through seven appearances, she has thrown 21 innings this season. Obenrader currently holds a 5.67 ERA and has recorded 12 strikeouts so far.
SERIES HISTORY
- The Pioneers and the Griffs do not have much history between the two programs. Last season marked the first time the teams faced off. Sacred Heart traveled to Buffalo last May for a doubleheader, where the Pioneers dropped both games. The two programs later met again in round one of the MAAC Tournament, with Canisius coming away with the win.
- This weekend will mark the first time Canisius travels to SHU, and the Pioneers will be looking to secure their first win against the program.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Pioneers hit the road on Tuesday, March 17, for a single game at Stony Brook beginning at 1 p.m.
Players Mentioned
P
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P/UTL
/ SoftballSaige Harper Paris 2024
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