Buffs Start Four-Game Homestand Against Southern California And Arizona State

BOULDER — The No. 23 University of Colorado lacrosse team opens up a four-game homestand at Kittredge Field this weekend with a pair of Pac-12 Conference games against Southern California and Arizona State.

The Buffs will start the weekend on Saturday, March 16, against Southern California. That game is set for an 11 a.m. start. Then on Sunday, March 17, the Buffs play host to Arizona State in a contest that is slated for 1 p.m.

HOW TO WATCH: The game on Saturday will be streamed on Pac-12 Plus, while Sunday will be broadcast on Pac-12 Networks. Live stats, as well as the link to Saturday's free stream, are available at https://buffs.me/2V9U0pu.

GAME PROMOTIONS: As usual, there are some fun promotions planned for this weekend.
On March 16 vs. USC, CU lacrosse rally towels will be handed out to fans. Then on March 17 vs. ASU, fans can tie-dye a 'Kiss Me I'm A Buff' white t-shirt. Fans are also encouraged to bring their dogs and there will be a CU dog leash and treat giveaway.

ABOUT THE BUFFS: The Buffs are 3-3 after going 2-0 to start Pac-12 Conference play last weekend and remain 23^rd in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Poll. CU defeated then-No. 15 Stanford, 20-13, on March 8, and on March 10, defeated California 17-11.

Senior Miranda Stinson, who was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, led the Buffs last weekend. She recorded 14 points in two games, which included 12 goals. She tallied four goals and a pair of assists against the Cardinal and then in the following match against the Bears, she scored a school-record eight goals.

On the season, Stinson leads the Buffs with 28 points. Her 21 goals ranks 28^th in the NCAA. Second for the Buffs on offense is another senior, Samantha Nemirov, who also had a great game against Stanford, tying the then-school record with seven goals. Overall, she has 19 points on the season with 17 goals and two assists.

Two other Buffs have at least 10 goals this season: Sadie Grozier (13) and Charlie Rudy (10). Eliza Cahill is the team leader in draw controls with 23. Stinson is second for the Buffs (15) and Kate Burnside is third (13).

Julia Lisella has started in five games for the Buffs. She is allowing 11.60 goals against and has a .504 save percentage. Molly Galloway started against California and allowed 11 goals while stopping 10 shots. The Buffs have forced 64 opponent turnovers; Stinson has a team-best 10 caused turnovers, while Macaul Mellor is second with seven.

ABOUT THE TROJANS: USC has put together a 6-1 start this year and is currently ranked 22^nd in the IWLCA poll. The Trojans have won three in a row after dropping a 12-9 decision to top-ranked Boston College in Boston. After that loss, USC defeated Boston University (16-11), Arizona State (15-3) and then-No. 24 Virginia Tech (13-11).

Six Trojans have posted 10 or more goals this season and three are tied with 18 points: Kelsey Huff, Sophia Donovan and Hope Anhut. Huff leads the team with 15 goals and has three assists, while Donovan has 14 goals and four assists. Anhut has tallied 11 goals and has a team-best seven assists.

USC's defense has performed well, causing 73 opponent turnovers through seven games. Riley Hertford has started in all seven contests in net and owns a 6-1 mark. She has a 10.60 goals against average and a .433 save percentage.

In the draw circle, Jackie Gilbert has as team-high 38 wins. Her 5.43 per game leads the Pac-12 and is 28^th in the NCAA.

THE SERIES: Southern California leads the all-time series 5-2 against the Buffs, although the Buffs won the last meeting on April 6, 2018 in Boulder, 10-7.

ABOUT THE SUN DEVILS: Arizona State is currently 2-3 overall and is 0-1 in the Pac-12 after falling to USC last weekend.

Kerri Clayton is the team's leading goal scorer with nine and also has a pair of assists for 11 points. Second on the team is Taylor Carson, who has tallied eight goals this year. Kaylon Bucker has earned 14 draw controls to lead the team and has a team-best 10 caused turnovers.

Berkeley Bonneau has played in all five games for the Sun Devils in goal. She has allowed 10.40 goals per game and owns a .475 save percentage.

THE SERIES: The Buffs have won both meetings against Arizona State. CU took the first contest, 18-2, on March 18, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. Then on April 8, 2018, the Buffs earned a 16-3 win in Boulder.

UP NEXT: The Buffs stay at home for a contest against Oregon on March 23, which will finish the first half of Pac-12 play. That game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

Buffs Start Four-Game Homestand Against Southern California And Arizona State

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Players Mentioned

Kate Burnside

Eliza Cahill

Molly Galloway

Sadie Grozier

Julia Lisella

Macaul Mellor

Samantha Nemirov

Charlie Rudy

Miranda Stinson