MPSF Off To Fast Start; Buffs Win Inaugural Game
Feb. 17, 2014
MPSF Lacrosse Release 1
COLORADO (1-1 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) raced out to a 7-0 lead in the program's inaugural game last Thursday (Feb. 13), en route to a 12-4 win at Stetson. Cali Castagnola delivered the Buffs' first three goals less than three minutes apart in the first half, on her way to a four-goal game. Johnna Fusco collected six points on three goals and assists, ending up with a nine-point inaugural week. Paige Soenksen picked up 15 saves in the loss at Jacksonville, a team who received votes in week one of the IWLCA Coaches' Poll. Katie Macleay recorded two hat tricks on the road trip. Colorado's MPSF opener is Wednesday (Feb. 19) at No. 17 Denver, while the first-ever home game is played Saturday (Feb. 22) against Regis.
OREGON (2-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) is off to a quick start to begin the 2014 campaign, routing Stetson 23-3, and Coastal Carolina, 20-3 (Feb. 10 & 11). Shannon Propst dished out an MPSF record-tying and UO record nine assists against the Hatters, also becoming the Ducks' all-time leader with 79. Carly O'Connell recorded five goals, followed by Nikki Puszcz with four and Courtney Valdez with three. Propst, Puszcz and Valdez led with four goals each, while O'Connell, Casey Brogan, and Devon Frazer each chipped in a hat trick against the Chants. The 20-goal victory tied for the largest in program history.
SAN DIEGO STATE (2-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) won its season opener for the first time in the three years of the program, taking down Davidson on the road, 11-10. Meris Walsh, Bailey Ewing and Andrea Killebrew scored two goals apiece. Katrina Reeves earned the victory in goal in her collegiate debut, tallying four saves, seven groundballs, and causing two turnovers. Christina Ricciardulli tallied five draw controls, two groundballs, two caused turnovers and one goal. Monday, the Aztecs made it 2-0 with a 15-11 victory at Winthrop.
# 14 STANFORD (1-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) opened the 2014 season with an 11-9 home win over Ohio State on Feb. 15, a team received votes in the week one IWLCA Coaches' Poll. The 14th-ranked and defending MPSF Champions fought off a 7-5 halftime deficit, scoring five unanswered in the second-half. Rachel Ozer delivered a game-high four goals, while Hannah Farr scored the last two to provide the difference. Lyndsey Munoz had the complete game win, picking up six groundballs and allowing just two goals in the second half.
FRESNO STATE (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) posted a season-opening 8-6 win at Monmouth Feb. 16, after trailing 4-1 at the half. Freshman Allison Poust debuted with a Bulldog hat trick, while goalkeeper Lisa Barnaba recorded eight saves. Monday, Barnaba collected a 2014 MPSF-High 16 saves at Wagner.
CALIFORNIA (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) begins its season with a conference game Thursday (Feb. 20) at St. Mary's. The Bears tied for second in 2013 with a 9-7 overall record, 6-2 in conference, advancing to the MPSF Semifinals.
# 17 DENVER (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) comes off an 18-3 record in 2013, posting a perfect 8-0 MPSF record. The 17th-ranked Pioneers jump right into conference play Wednesday (Feb. 19) against upstart Colorado, followed by a visit to Fresno State Sunday (Feb. 23).
USC (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) hosts its first six games on the schedule this year, beginning Feb. 28 against Marist. The Trojans reached the MPSF Semifinals in their inaugural year of 2013.
ST. MARY'S (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) plays its first four games in Moraga, starting Thursday against California. The Gaels continue the homestand Sunday against Harvard.
UC DAVIS (0-0 Overall, 0-0 MPSF) travels to George Mason Friday (Feb. 21) and Old Dominion Sunday (Feb. 23) to begin the season.