April 2, 2016
LOS ANGELES -
San Diego State women's lacrosse succumbed to the nation's best defense and dropped a 20-6 decision to No. 7/8 USC, falling to the Trojans in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) action at McAlister Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Aztecs moves to 3-2 in conference play and are 4-7 overall, while USC improved to 5-0 against its conference foes and is now 11-0 overall.
The Trojans' defense, which leads the nation in goals allowed (4.56), stifled SDSU's offense and allowed just three Aztec goals in each half.
San Diego State's first tally of the game was notched by its leading scorer among freshman. With USC leading 2-0, Grace McGinty made good on a free position attempt 11-and-a-half minutes into the game to cut the Trojans' lead in half.
USC went on a 4-0 run for a 6-1 advantage with just under six minutes remaining in the frame. However, Felice Artuso cashed in on the free position to stem the flow and make the score 6-2.
After a Trojan goal, Vickie Porter notched her 13th of the season with four-and-a-half minutes left in the half for the 7-3 score. Michaela Michael's 44th tally of the year would give USC an 8-3 advantage heading in to the intermission.
But following halftime, the Trojans' offense took control and out-scored the Aztecs, 12-3, with goals by Alexa Comfort, Porter and Kristen Hickey highlighting San Diego State's attack.
Katie Merritt (2-6) suffered the loss in the cage, as the junior allowed eight goals and made as many first half saves. Katrina Reeves turned away one second half shot, letting in 12 goals.
The Scarlet and Black were out-shot 43-14 and were led by Hickey's four attempts. USC won more draw controls, 18-10, and scooped up more ground balls, 22-11.
Next up, San Diego State visits its MPSF counterpart Denver on Fri., April 8 for a 4 p.m. (MT) match against the Pioneers.