ST. CHARLES – The Aztec lacrosse team (0-1) dropped its season opener at Lindenwood (1-0) 20-6 Friday afternoon. SDSU was led by Frankie Garcia and Emma Betts who each scored two goals.
The Lions got off to an early start, scoring six unanswered goals as part of a 10-1 run in the first period. Lindenwood outshot SDSU 43-15 and 37-8 in shots on goal. They also had a 24-5 advantage in draw controls and were 7-13 in extra-man opportunities, while the Aztecs were 1-5.
Lindenwood had eight players score, led by Logann Eldredge's six goals and followed by five goals from Alissa Digiacinto.
Aztec goalkeepers, Avery Dyer and Caitlin Boughton, had 10 and seven saves respectively. Mia Kohn led SDSU with two caused turnovers, and Tatum Neach led with two ground balls.
"First game jitters, we didn't execute. Warranted or not, the number of cards that we were given didn't help us by any means. I thought our team showed resiliency and fight after getting down in that first quarter. We continued to battle and that is where we see growth," Head Coach Kylee White explained. "It's hard, when your two returners are out with yellow cards in the first half, that can really impact a young team that's just looking for leadership. This loss is a step forward in our growing process and we are looking forward to our next opportunity on the field. Lindenwood is a great team with very experienced players. Their composure, their fight, we couldn't match that. I think we'll see a better, more connected, more disciplined SDSU team on Sunday."
STAT OF THE GAME
The Lions went on a 12-1 run spanning the first and second quarters.
THE NOTE
Both Frankie Garcia and Jenna McDermott scored their first career goals as an Aztec.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs play Xavier at ASU this Sunday.