Lacrosse Notches Record-Breaking Win in Home Opener

TEMPE– Sun Devil Lacrosse's 21-1 statement win over Detroit Mercy on Saturday was one for the record books. The one goal allowed to UDM marked the fewest goals allowed in a game in program history, and the win ties a program-best start to a season at 3-0. 

The only goal of the game for UDM came 4 minutes and 14 seconds into the first quarter. The Sun Devil defense held the visitors scoreless, and managed to end the game scoring the next 19 goals of the competition. 

With 10 different Sun Devils recording goals, and all three goalies seeing time in net, head coach Taryn VanThof complimented her team's performance, "I thought we did really well on both sides of the ball. It was great to see so many Sun Devils on the score sheet, and our defense stood strong for the entire 60 minutes." 

How it Happened: 

Berit Brookfield broke the ice early, and was quickly followed by Jordan Behar whose goals had ASU up 2-0. Detroit Mercy tallied their only goal of the game to face a 2-1 deficit, but two more Sun Devil goals in the frame allowed ASU to lead 4-1 after one.

The Sun Devils notched a season-best 10-goal second quarter to push the lead to 14-1 at the half. Katie Vahle faced eight shots through her two quarters of play, and needed just two saves to get the job done after starting in net. 

ASU recorded seven goals in the final two quarters to secure the 21-1 win. Both Sara Flobeck and Regan Spichiger saw time in net to end the game. 

Sun Devil Notables:

• The Sun Devils improve to 8-0 all-time in home openers.
• The team's 3-0 start matches a program-best start to the season. In 2024, the team was 3-0 after three games but a loss to No. 11 Stony Brook on the road snapped their win streak.
• With four goals against UDM, Lydia Oldknow extended her scoring streak to 22 games, dating back to the 2024 season opener.
• Freshman midfielder Alyssa Nichols netted her first career goal against Detroit Mercy.
• After tallying three goals in today's performance, junior attacker Jordyn Behar recorded the first hat trick of her career.
• With 40 shots in the win, Saturday marked the first time ASU has taken 40+ shots since taking 48 against Xavier on February 9, 2024. 

Up Next: 

The Sun Devils will travel to San Diego, California for a neutral-site matchup against the Denver Pioneers on Friday, February 21 at 12 p.m. AZT. For the first time in her career, head coach Taryn VanThof will coach against her sister, who is an associate head coach at Denver.