WLAX Opens Season With 20-13 Win Over San Diego State

MILWAUKEE — The Marquette women's lacrosse team (1-0, 0-0 BIG EAST) opened its 2023 campaign with a strong performance Sunday afternoon, defeating San Diego State 20-13 at Valley Fields.

The Golden Eagles dominated the draw and used outstanding offense, led by a program record-tying seven goals from senior midfielder Lydia Foust, to secure the opening day victory. This is just the second time in program history Marquette has started the season with a win, after doing so last season as well.

"I'm really happy with the speed of our play today, and really happy with seven different people scoring," said Marquette head coach Meredith Black. "We caused a lot of turnovers and made it hard for them to get into any groove early on, which was key. I'm really proud of our team, I thought everyone on it did a really great job."

Marquette senior defender Ellie Henry also had a career day, winning 12 draw controls, a mark that ranks third in program history. As a team, the Golden Eagles out-drew the Aztecs 25-12. MU's 25 draw controls rank second in program history.

After a defensive first quarter which ended 2-1 in Marquette's favor, the Golden Eagles caught fire in the second quarter as they scored 10 goals to pull away and never look back. They took a 12-4 lead into the half, then kept the foot on the accelerator with eight more second-half goals. While San Diego State did find offensive rhythm with seven fourth-quarter goals, it wasn't enough to close the gap.

Along with Foust and Henry's outstanding efforts, senior attacker Shea Garcia also finished with six points on four goals and a pair of assists, the 21st hat trick of her career. Meg Bireley, Mary Schumar, Leigh Steiner and freshman Tess Osburn also each recorded two goals, while Hannah Greving scored one as well.

Marquette took a single-game program record of 49 shots, including 38 shots on goal, while limiting the Aztecs to just 25 total shots. In net for MU, sophomore Brynna Nixon played all 60 minutes, making seven saves on the afternoon.

Deanna Balsama and Brook Waddell led San Diego State (0-2) with four goals apiece. Sam Horan made 18 saves while playing the entire contest in goal.

UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles hit the road for a pair of games in Ohio next week, beginning Friday, Feb. 17, when they face Youngstown State a 12 p.m. (CT). Links for live stats and stream will be available on gomarquette.com.

Keep up with the Marquette women's lacrosse program all season long through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteWLax) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWLax).