Buffs, Pioneers in MPSF Win Column
Feb. 15, 2016 MPSF Lacrosse Release 1
COLORADO (1-0 MPSF/1-0 Overall) had a quick start to its season (Feb.12) with four goals in the first 5:15 of the contest at Denver, including the first three in a 29-second span, on its way to an 11-10 MPSF win. The Buffs never trailed in their first-ever win over the Pioneers in three tries, nor were they caught from the hot start. Darby Kiernan and Cali Castagnola each recorded three goals and one assist, with the latter completing the earliest hat trick in school history in the first 5:15 of the game. Marie Moore dished three assists. Sarah Brown caused three turnovers, won three draws, and picked up two ground balls. Colorado travels to Fresno State Sunday (Feb. 21).
DENVER (1-1 MPSF/1-1 Overall) Kendra Lanuza recorded two goals and three assists, as the Pioneers picked up an MPSF win at Fresno State, 15-3 (Feb. 14). Lanuza totaled five assists and three goals in her first collegiate week. Rachael McKinnon poured in a career and game-high four goals, as she did in the season opener vs. Colorado. Christa Reese added a hat trick in the road win, while the Denver defense allowed just 11 shots in the game. The Pioneers travel to nationally-ranked Louisville Saturday (Feb. 20).
No. 19 USC (0-0 MPSF/1-0 Overall) picked up its first-ever season-opening win last Friday (Feb. 12) at home, running past Stetson, 21-2, to begin its fourth season of competition. The Trojans took just 10 minutes to build a 10-0 lead. USC received a seven-point first half from reigning MPSF Player of the Year Michaela Michael, including an MPSF weekend-high and career-high tying six goals. She also earned 12 draw controls, tying for third in MPSF single-game history and moving into seventh all-time (180). Michael is the MPSF single-season (123 in 2015) and single-game draw control leader (15--2/24/15) all-time. USC faces Duke in Costa Mesa Saturday (Feb. 20).
FRESNO STATE (0-1 MPSF/1-1 Overall) Nicole Ortlieb put away four goals and Caroline Dineen-Carlson added three in a 14-6 season-opening win over Stetson (Feb. 12). The win marked the first for the Bulldog program over an Atlantic Sun opponent in seven tries. Meganne Weissenfels had an MPSF weekend-high six ground balls. Lindsay Hobson scored twice against Denver.Fresno State hosts Colorado Sunday (Feb. 21) in the second conference game.
NO. 14 STANFORD (0-0 MPSF/0-1 Overall) Kelsey Murray scored five goals in a 13-9 loss at No. 7 Notre Dame in the season opener (Feb. 13). Lucy Dikeou added two goals and two assists and Meg Lentz caused three turnovers and picked up two ground balls. Stanford opens its MPSF schedule at home Tuesday (Feb. 16) at 7 pm against St. Mary's on Pac-12 Networks, before Ohio State visits on Sunday (Feb. 21).
SAN DIEGO STATE (0-0 MPSF/0-2 Overall) dropped its first two games of the year, 11-7 at Elon (Feb. 12) and 20-7 at last year's NCAA runner-up and second-ranked North Carolina (Feb. 14). Kristen Hickey recorded three points in each game. Katie Merritt collected a career-high eight saves, facing 22 first half shots on goal by the Tar Heels.
CALIFORNIA (0-0 MPSF/0-0 Overall) opens up with Ohio State at home Friday (Feb. 19) at 2 pm on Pac-12 Networks.
UC DAVIS (0-0 MPSF/0-0 Overall) travels to Bryant (Feb. 19) and Temple (Feb. 21) this weekend for the season openers.
ST. MARY'S (0-0 MPSF/0-0 Overall) gets the 2016 season underway with an MPSF game at Stanford Tuesday (Feb. 16).
OREGON (0-0 MPSF/0-0 Overall) begins the season at Michigan Friday (Feb. 19) and Detroit-Mercy Sunday (Feb. 21).