USC Takes Down No. 5 Duke
Feb. 22, 2016 MPSF Lacrosse Release 2
No. 12 USC (0-0 MPSF/2-0 Overall) recorded its first-ever win over a top-10 opponent, and third over a ranked one in its four-year history, with an 11-5 victory over fifth-ranked Duke in Costa Mesa, CA (Feb. 20). The Trojans raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first 6:29 and were never caught. Kylie Drexel tallied four goals, one assist, and two ground balls. Courtney Tarleton led the defense, which held the Blue Devils to just 11 shots and forced them into 14 turnovers, while collecting three ground balls of her own. Michaela Michael picked up seven draw controls, pulling to within 22 of the MPSF's all-time top-five list.
No. 14 STANFORD (1-0 MPSF/2-1 Overall) picked up an MPSF home win, 20-1 over St. Mary's (Feb. 16), before knocking off nationally-ranked Ohio State 18-7 (Feb. 21). Stanford scored 11 seconds into the contest with OSU, and was never caught on the scoreboard. Anna Salemo had a six-goal, three-assist week, including four goals and two assists against the 16th-ranked Buckeyes. Kelsey Murray added four goals and Lucy Dikeou scored three, and Kelly Myers won seven draws. The Cardinal hosts Harvard Saturday (Feb. 27).
OREGON (0-0 MPSF/2-0 Overall) posted two road victories to begin the season last week, 12-11 at Michigan and 17-13 at Detroit. Shannon Williams collected six points in her first collegiate weekend, on three goals and three assists. Cambi Cukar dished a 2016 MPSF-high and career-high tying six assists at Detroit, finishing the week with nine points. Jackie Moccia picked up three ground balls and caused two turnovers in the Michigan game.
COLORADO (2-0 MPSF/2-0 Overall) picked up its second early season conference road win, 18-4 at Fresno State (Feb. 21). Darby Kiernan was a perfect four-for-four on shots, while adding a draw, ground ball, and caused turnover. Paige Soenksen collected five of her six saves in the second half, and did not allow a free position goal on three shots faced. Sophia Castillo picked up a team-high four ground balls in her second career start, along with one goal and two assists. The Buffs are headed to Notre Dame and Marquette this week (Feb. 26-28).
UC DAVIS (0-0 MPSF/1-1 Overall) played its season openers this past week, coming away with a 12-7 win at Bryant. Ellie Delich was a combined four-for-five on shots in the first two games, including the visit to Temple. She delivered a hat trick with an assist in the win. Taylor Cuenin also had three goals at Bryant, finishing the weekend with four goals, four draws, four ground balls, and five caused turnovers. Cuenin's four caused turnovers at Bryant is a 2016 conference-high.
CALIFORNIA (0-0 MPSF/0-1 Overall) took No. 16 Ohio State to overtime in its season opener (Feb .19) in Berkeley. Bella Huther tallied a game-high five goals, four coming during a furious six-goal second half comeback to help force OT. Chloe Landry added four goals and five draws. Meredith Haggerty scored a hat trick with three ground balls and four draws. Jenna Fritts dished a game-high five assists. Jenny Wilkens, making her collegiate debut, picked up a 2016 MPSF-high eight ground balls and collected 11 saves in goal (seven during the second half comeback). The Bears travel to Marquette and Notre Dame this week (Feb. 26-28).
DENVER (1-1 MPSF/1-2 Overall) dropped a 14-3 result at No. 17 Louisville (Feb. 20). Casey White scored twice and Hunter Gray had three ground balls. The Pioneers are back in action at Brown Saturday (Feb. 27).
FRESNO STATE (0-2 MPSF/1-2 Overall) Natalie Yorba collected three ground balls in its home game against Colorado (Feb. 21). Sarah Bloise had three draws, and Nicole Ortlieb was two-for-three on shots while adding two ground balls and a caused turnover. The Bulldogs travel to Presbyterian and Campbell this week (Feb. 26-28).
ST. MARY'S (0-1 MPSF/0-1 Overall) Jocelyn Lubert was the first Gael to find the back of the net in 2016, scoring a second half goal at Stanford (Feb. 16). Hanna Dalrymple had a pair of ground balls and a caused turnover. SMC's home opener is Sunday (Feb. 28) against Harvard.
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. The Aztecs are back in action at St. Joseph's Saturday (Feb. 27), following a bye week.