There are star-studded, name-brand, exciting matchups all across the NCAA each week. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) may not be as star-studded in terms of future national team talent, but excitement isn’t lacking.

On Saturday, Oct., 12, at noon, one of the best conference matchups will happen.Canisius University in Buffalo, New York is currently a top-five defense in the country, and Defender Erin Weir is one of the most creative defenders in the country with eight assists is tied for fourth in the country. Talented center forward Madeline Weltin has also contributed with eight goals this season, good enough for top 50 in the country. Canisius has one loss in the non-conference season, and is undefeated and in second place in the conference.

Quinnipiac, from Hamden, Connecticut, sits in third place, is on a similar hot streak, and is still undefeated. They’ve found success by leading the Division I in corner kicks. The extra opportunities close to the net have paid off, as they also remain undefeated in conference play. And the Bobcats need those chances. The Bobcats average only 1.7 goals per game, a far cry from other undefeated team's offensive dominance. Quinnipiac isn’t quite as good defensively, giving up three more goals than Canisius during preseason. However, they haven’t conceded a goal against a conference opponent yet this season. Courtney Chochol leads the Bobcats with five goals.

Canisius has seen success since 2021 with the hiring of head coach Ryan Louis.

“I think if you look at previous years and this year, [Defense] has been a staple for this group. The players in those positions have a lot of experience.” Louis said “We’re a gritty resilient team; the defenders pride themselves on defending just as much as the forwards do with scoring.”

Coach Louis is enjoying his breakout stars, as they both represent the keys to his system as an attacker and defender.

“We play a 3-5-2, so Erin Weir plays as a wingback to get further forward and provide the assist she’s getting. She’s so technical and so skilled at delivering that end product.” said Louis

He continued to expound, switching to Madeline Weltin.

“She does a lot of the dirty work. She holds up play, she presses, but never really had the output of putting it in the back of the net. She’s always done a lot of the work but didn’t get the output”

Canisius faces off with Quinnipiac, Griffs Vs. Bobcats, Saturday at noon, on ESPN+.