Sun Devils survive Ducks’ scare, break losing streak back home

(Photo via Xavier Litman/WCSN)

Arizona State Women’s Lacrosse (2-5, 1-1) closed out their first Pac-12 Conference win of the season in a thrilling back-and-forth contest that ended in a 12-9 victory over Oregon (3-5, 0-3) on Friday afternoon.

“I think the team pulled through in key moments,” head coach Taryn VanThof said. “That’s what we ask of them – you come out on top when you capitalize on those highs.”

The Sun Devils went through plenty of highs and lows on Friday, holding a 6-1 lead in the second period before the Ducks squeezed all the momentum and eventually equalized the score 8-8 with five minutes to go in the third period.

Penalties became a problem for ASU as they gave up six free position shots in the second and third periods combined, leading to two goals along with three Oregon goals that came from man-up positions where they had a numbers advantage.

Yet in the dying moments of the third period, ASU jolted back to life with graduate student attacker Katie Brodsky and junior attacker Mina Scott each scoring within the last 10 seconds of the period, putting the Sun Devils back up 10-8. ASU would ride this momentum into the final frame, where it would swallow up the Ducks’ offense to hold on for the three-goal win.

The game featured physical play by both squads, with several whistles being blown and bodies stumbling to the grass at Sun Devil Lacrosse Stadium. VanThof was happy with her team’s ability to win the physical battle out on the field.

“We talked a lot about 50/50 balls and what that looks like, and in the first and the fourth it really showed how those win games,” Vanthof said.

One player that was important down the stretch was sophomore goalkeeper Katie Vahle. She had 14 saves on the afternoon and helped to close out a much needed win after the Sun Devils had lost five straight games heading into the matchup. Graduate student midfielder Kaylon Buckner had high praise for her young goalie.

“Katie Vahle impresses me everyday,” Buckner said. “In practice she makes us better. I think she’s just a great asset to this team, and I’m just excited to see her growth for the next couple years.”

While Vahle anchored the team defensively, Buckner was ASU’s main source of offense, finishing the game with a team-high four goals and two assists.

“It feels good for me,” Buckner said. “I think the funny thing is, I think after a goal I just get so excited to be with my teammates and give them a hug, those are moments you remember.”

The Sun Devils have a quick turnaround before their matchup against Colorado on Sunday, with VanThof saying Saturday will be a “big recovery day” after the bruising matchup with the Ducks.