Kerri Clayton made Arizona State's debut as a women's lacrosse program one to remember. The junior co-captain scored seven goals as the Sun Devils downed Kennesaw State 14-6 to pick up the first victory in program history.
Leading just 6-4 at the half, Arizona State scored the first five goals of the second half, two of them by Clayton, to take control of the game. Clayton, who started four games at Jacksonville in 2016 before transferring to Arizona State, scored five of Arizona State's final six goals in the game.
It was our first game ever and our first game of the year so obviously there were some jitters, but I think Kerri’s leadership role took over where she was able to kind of settle the offense down and help them relax," said Arizona State head coach Courtney Martinez Connor. "She was able to take over herself in addition to showing them how to do things offensively. She was able to bob and weave and clearly put on a show for the fans which with so many parents and alumni traveling from all over we were so blessed to have such a big fan base cheering us on the entire time."
Freshman goalie Berkeley Bonneau made 10 saves to pick up the win.
Teeter Wins His First at Louisville
Scott Teeter's debut as the head coach at Louisville, after a tumultuous offseason for the program, was a happy one as the Cardinals downed Cincinnati 15-9. Louisville never trailed in the contest and led by as many as eight goals in the first half.
"The girls came out ready to play today and we built ourselves a big enough lead for us to hang on," said Teeter, who led Canisius to a NCAA tournament berth last season before being named Louisville's head coach in late November following the dismissal of longtime coach Kellie Young. "In the second half, we got away from our game plan a little bit, but they battled and played hard all game, which was great to see."
Tessa Chad, a junior who earned All-MAAC honors for Canisius last year before transferring to Louisville, led the Cardinals with four goals and two assists.
Colorado Wins Emotional Game Over Michigan
Hannah Nielsen's debut as the head coach at Michigan didn't go as well as No. 16 Colorado doubled up the Wolverines 20-10 in a neutral site game played in Jacksonville.
Colorado, playing for the first time since senior Julia Sarcona died in a car accident in January, scored the final 10 goals of the game after it was tied 10-10 early in the second half.
Junior midfielder Miranda Stinson scored a career-high seven goals to lead the Buffs and senior attacker Darby Kiernan had five goals and 11 draw controls.
Colorado's defense forced Michigan into 17 turnovers and held the Wolverines scoreless for the final 25:57 of the game. Lilly Grass and Adriana Pendino each had three goals for Michigan.
Syracuse Offense Explodes
PHOTO BY RICH BARNES
Emily Hawryschuk led Syracuse with four goals as the Orange pulled away for a 23-11 win over former Big East rival Connecticut on Friday night in the Carrier Dome. The majority of Syracuse field players wore headgear in the contest. (Photo by Rich Barnes)
Twelve different players scored goals, led by sophomore Emily Hawryschuk with four, as No. 5 Syracuse exploded for 23 goals in a 23-11 win over Connecticut in the Carrier Dome. Sophomore Asa Goldstock made 11 saves while allowing 10 goals to earn the win for the Orange.
Connecticut scored the first two goals of the game, led 6-4 with under 10 minutes to play in the first half and trailed just 9-8 at the half. Senior Grace Nolan and freshman Sydney Watson each had four goals for the Huskies.
Nicole Levy goes behind the back!#Hattrick #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/oG6eYVRpla
— Syracuse Women's Lax (@CuseWLAX) February 10, 2018