(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Lacrosse (6-2) used a third-quarter comeback to top Vanderbilt (2-5) 16-15 on Saturday afternoon at Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium. ASU was again led by the NCAA’s assist leader, junior attacker Jordyn Behar, who tallied seven points off of a career-high four goals. Saturday marked the team’s first win after trailing at halftime since April 3, 2022 when the team trailed No. 14 Rutgers 6-4 at the half and won 14-13 in overtime.
After allowing Vanderbilt to score four of the first five goals, the Sun Devils did not see a lead until the final seconds in the third quarter when attackers Teagan Ng and Jordyn Behard led a 5-0 Sun Devil scoring run to provide the team with a three-goal cushion.
“I am proud of this team, and the effort it took to keep for us to keep battling back. We were down but never out, and our grit and determination carried us to this win,” said head coach Taryn VanThof, whose team now sits four games above .500 for the first time in her tenure.
How it Happened
In a high-scoring first quarter, Vanderbilt struck first, recording four of the game’s first five goals. ASU’s leading attackers, Lydia Oldknow, Teagan Ng, and Jordyn Behar each netted a goal in the first frame making the ASU deficit 5-3 after one.
In the second quarter, the two teams combined for 12 goals, with each team netting six in the frame. The straight ASU goals to end the quarter had the Sun Devils facing just a one-goal deficit at the half, down 9-8.
After trading goals to open the third quarter, ASU went on a five-goal run to take a 15-12 lead and hold their largest lead of the game at three goals. Katie Vahle allowed just one goal in the third quarter and needed just one save to do it, as her defense allowed just two shots on goal in the frame.
Though Vanderbilt outscored ASU 3-2 in the final quarter, the late deficit was too much to overcome, and ASU escaped with the 16-15 win at home, good for their fourth straight home win this season.
Sun Devil Notables
- Arizona State is 4-0 at home this season. With a win in their next home game, ASU will tie a program-best 5-0 start at home set in 2021.
- The Sun Devils did not have six wins until April 2 in 2024.
- ASU tallied a season-high 24 draw controls against Vanderbilt, with Anna Viglione snagging a team-high 13.
- Junior attacker Lydia Oldknow extended her point-scoring streak to 27 games, dating back to the 2024 season opener, after three goals in today’s contest.
- With four goals against the Commodores, junior attacker Teagan Ng is one point shy of the 100 mark in her career. She will be the eighth Sun Devil all-time to reach this feat.
- Prior to today, ASU was 6-6 all-time in games decided by one goal. Saturday marked ASU’s second game decided by one goal this season; the Sun Devils have come out on top in both contests.
- Senior goalkeeper Katie Vahle is 16 saves away from tying the all-time program record after recording seven against Vanderbilt.
Up Next
The Sun Devils will wrap up their four-game home stretch against Furman on Saturday, March 15. First draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. AZT and can be viewed on ESPN+.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Claudia Schwartz
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