BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – This was one that hurt. Like salt on a fresh wound. Seventh-seeded Canisius dropped a quarterfinal heartbreaker to second seed Loyola on Friday in the MAAC women’s quarterfinal.
The pain was on the expression of Micayla Drysdale. The Canisius senior guard, as usual, did all she could. Drysdale canned two free throws with three seconds left to give her team a three-point lead. The joyous anticipation of a semifinal date was fleeting. Seconds later, Miriam McKenzie buried a game-tying trey for Loyola to force overtime. There were five minutes of overtime to play but the spirit was noticeably drained from Canisius. The extra session was dominated by Loyola, a 68-53 winner.
Later, Drysdale took time to reflect on what has been an outstanding career. It seems such a short time ago she was making an impact as a freshman and having observers say, “I like this kid, who is she ?”
Drysdale smiled and agreed the time has literally raced by during her four years at the Buffalo-based institution. She recalls her sophomore year as very memorable. “We made it to the MAAC finals,” she said. “We lost to Marist but it was exciting playing in the final, out there competing for a championship.”
Drysdale played her high school ball in Canada about 90 minutes from Canisius. She said the level of girls high school basketball in Canada is fair. She played on a strong team in the club or AAU circuit, when the high school season ended, and excelled. Drysdale was well aware of Canisius from its proximity to home. “I had other schools recruiting me,” she said. “But when I visited Canisius in the Summer before my senior year I committed on the visit. It’s a great place with a friendly atmosphere.”
One of the sad aspects of March Madness is seeing careers end. One moment a player is on the stage contributing. Literally minutes later, their playing days are ended. Drysdale averaged 8.9 points per game, which tied for the team lead. She was the MAAC’s active leader in made three pointers with 188. An outstanding student, Drysdale was named to the MAAC’s All-Academic Team the past three seasons.
“There were no off days for Micayla,” Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “Not one game, possession, practice or drill. She gave all in everything and was a wonderful example for our younger players.”
As we spoke outside the Canisius locker room one of the game officials came up to say goodbye. He hugged Drysdale saying, “We will miss you a lot.” She reciprocated, commending his and the crew‘s fine work. Drysadale then continued saying, “We struggled a bit last year. This year was tough (11-20) but we had three freshmen start. They came around and I think in two years they will be ready to contend for the MAAC title.” Especially if they find a leader with enthusiasm matching hers.
Micayla Drysdale was a special player for Canisius and is a special person.
