By Gabbi Riggi

The Bobcats burst for two goals a minute apart in the first half against the Canisius College Griffs, and took a 2-1 win.

Breaking open the scoring was senior midfielder, Sam Nicol (Endinburgh, Scotland) at the ten-minute mark. After being awarded a free kick, the kick was faked and taken into the box by freshman midfielder James Doig. Standing alone was captain and MAAC goals leader, senior Simon Hinde (Canaberra, Australia), who netted his 7th of the season.

The early scoring gave a cushion for junior goalkeeper Jason Vancura (Whitman, Mass.), making his first start in goal. He faced eight shots and allowed only one goal, which came in the 81st minute. His smart play was complimented by the strength of his backfield players who spent much of the game clearing the ball back down the pitch. His success came against a Canisius team that leads the MAAC in overall goals scored with 19, and goals per game average of 1.70.

This victory pushes the team to a going 3-0-1 in the conference record, giving them the top spot on the table for the MAAC. The next two games come against Manhattan, in fourth, and Monmouth, who also has ten points.

Nicol is ready for the challenge.

“We’ve been gradually stepping up in the level of team [we play],” he said. “Canisius is probably the best one we’ve played so far. We’re starting to put the ball down and play a little better than we have in the past games and always progress, so it can only help us.”

Head coach Eric Da Costa also praised the work that was put in and the progression the team has made so far in the season.

“It was a good opportunity for our offense to step up and take some of the pressure off the back line whose been tested all year long,” Da Costa said. “I thought today was a good balance between the two … Those three points were well earned … It was just a great effort all around.”

Quinnipiac will look to pull away from the pack when they visit Manhattan on Wednesday, Oct. 23.