Buscaglia Named MAAC Offensive Player of the Week

Canisius senior Paige Buscaglia was named the MAAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week Monday after she scored two goals in the Golden Griffins' 3-2 overtime win at St. Francis (Pa.) Sunday afternoon. This marks the first time Buscaglia has been honored by the conference office for her play on the field. In Canisius' season-opening victory at St. Francis, the Akron, N.Y., native scored both of her goals in the game's first 20 minutes. She put Canisius ahead 1-0 in the 11th minute of play and then gave the Blue and Gold a 2-1 advantage in the 20th minute with her second goal of the contest. Both of Buscaglia's goals came off assists from freshmanHope Balling, and senior Melanie Linsmair also earned an assist on Buscaglia's second marker. "This is the most fit I have been since arriving at Canisius, and to begin my senior year with two goals feels great," Buscaglia said. "It proves that all the hard work I put in this past offseason is paying off." With the season-opening win on Sunday, Canisius has now started each of the last two seasons with overtime victories on the first day of the year. The three goals scored by the Griffs are the most for the team since Oct. 15, 2016 when the team beat Iona 4-1, and the two goals in the game matches a career-high for the Buscaglia, who also had two goals in the Griffs' 2-0 win over Fairfield at home last season. "Paige is a special player with a special ability level," head coach Todd Clark said. "We are hopeful she will continue to show-up and perform throughout the year. This was certainly a good start for her and for the entire team." Canisius will return to action Friday, Aug. 24, when the team opens the home portion of its 2018 schedule against Robert Morris at the Demske Sports Complex. Game time is set for 7 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.