SAN DIEGO – The Aztec lacrosse team (2-5) knocked off Kent State (2-2) 15-9 at Snapdragon Stadium Friday. The Aztecs made an early statement, scoring 11 goals in the first half. Kent State worked their way back towards the Aztecs in the second half, but SDSU kept their lead to secure a 15-9 victory in front of fans, family, and alumni at their first ever Snapdragon Stadium contest.
"It was awesome, it was so fun. From the minute we walked in, we just felt this professionalism, we felt special," Head coach Kylee White said after the game. "They knew that we were coming here for business, and it was just so special to play so connected and so fun."
The Aztecs were led by Deanna Balsama and Kate Christos. Balsama led the team with five goals on the night while Kate Christos added four. Emma Betts contributed another two while Maggie Marion, Sydney Wolfington, Cailin Young, and Brook Waddell added one each.
SDSU jumped out to a 3-1 lead with goals coming from Kate Christos, Brook Waddell, and Emma Betts. By the end of the first half, the Aztecs extended their lead to 11-2. The Golden Flashes began to battle back in the second half, but the Aztecs limited Kent State to seven.
In the final quarter, the Aztecs tacked on an additional two goals from Maggie Marion and Deanna Balsama. Marion's goal was her first of the season.
"I said to my coaches, this is going to be the best night ever." Maggie Marion shared. "Especially, it's a night game. All the lights going during the goals was insane, but our team was just super hyped up tonight, so it was great vibes all around."
SDSU outshot the Golden Flashes 40-20 and 35-19 in shots on goal with a 18-10 advantage in draw controls.
Shelby Hook led the team with four caused turnovers while Brook Waddell led in ground balls with four.
Goalkeeper Sam Horan collected nine saves.
For Kent State, Kenzie Sklar finished with three goals, followed by Allie Lee and Morgan Kubicki with two each.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs host High Point on Sunday, March 5 at 3 p.m. PT for an afternoon matchup at Snapdragon Stadium.