After a recent tough slate, Stanford lacrosse (8-5, 3-1 MPSF) got a much-needed conference win against the Fresno State Bulldogs (8-6, 1-5 MPSF), scoring 10 unanswered goals to start the game and finishing with a 17-4 victory.

The Cardinal’s usual playmakers once again fully displayed their offensive powers. Kelsey Murray and Elizabeth Cusick led their team to an offensive blowout against conference opponent Bulldogs. Murray started the game remarkably, finding the back of the net five times in the opening 15 minutes to propel Stanford forward on its first half run, which essentially ended the game before it started.

At the end of the night, Murray finished with seven total goals after adding two in the second half, and she picked up her team-leading season tally to 32 goals in the campaign. Teammate Cusick also found success against a ravished Bulldog defense, scoring twice and assisting on an early Murray goal.

Stanford owned the match from the beginning. The Cardinal not only forced 15 total turnovers – three times Stanford’s final total – but also amounted to twenty more shots on goal than their opponents on the night.

In addition to the forced turnovers, the Cardinal completed all 17 clear attempts, displaying the Cardinal’s control over the night.

While obviously disappointed with the result, Bulldog freshman attacker Tiffany Wallace continued her successful season thus far by completing a hat trick with under 10 minutes left in the half. Wallace’s three goals brought her season tally to a team-leading 37 in the campaign.

Tuesday’s win definitely comes at a pivotal point in the season for the Cardinal, who lost back-to-back games on the road, including a demoralizing loss at the hands of No. 6 Buffs. Stanford now will embark on three consecutive conference games to complete the final stretch of the regular season before starting the MPSF championships in Los Angeles.

 

Contact Lorenzo Rosas at enzor9 ‘at’ stanford.edu.