With the sunlight breaking through the clouds, all 12 Trojans on the field stood ready for the first draw. Banners reading “USC Lacrosse” hung on the field’s fences. Fans wearing cardinal and gold roared in anticipation. Dignity Health Sports Park felt like home for USC.
And the Trojans played like they were at home, routing the Hofstra Pride 15-6 for their third straight victory to start the season.
“The staff worked really hard to make the stadium feel like home,” junior defender Alexis Niblock said. “We have to take pride in this field and try to go undefeated on it.”
The Trojans did all of their scoring in the first three quarters, with 55% of their shots finding the net. Senior attacker Shelby Tilton led the way with four goals, while senior attacker Maggie Brown and junior attacker Maddie Dora had three each.
“This is the best preseason we’ve ever had,” Brown said. “We have an unwavering belief and trust in each other, and it’s showing out on the field.”
Meanwhile, the Trojans’ zone defense forced 15 turnovers by the Pride. Hofstra’s offense managed 17 shots on just 35% shooting. Niblock led the way with two caused turnovers and four ground balls.
“Our defense is awesome,” USC head coach Lindsey Munday said. “They hold themselves to such a high standard, and they consistently want to get better each and every game.”
In the draw circle, freshman midfielder Anna Regan’s 13 draw controls helped USC earn a 17-8 advantage in draws. The Trojans’ six draw controls in the second quarter enabled them to pull away from Hofstra.
USC held a narrow 5-3 lead early in the second quarter before Tilton scored two of her four goals as part of a 6-0 run by the Trojans. Dora’s goal in the third quarter put the Trojans up 14-4 and started the running clock. By the fourth quarter, Munday was able to substitute all of her starters for bench players.
“We’re our most veteran that we’ve even been on offense,” Munday said. “We’re able to grow off of what we did last year while also putting some new things in as well.”
USC improved to 114-18 all-time against unranked teams, including a 4-0 record against Hofstra.
“I’m proud of how the girls showed up with their energy and their effort,” Munday said. “That’s what happens when you come ready to play.”
The Trojans will play future conference opponent Michigan at Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday, February 24. The No. 10 Wolverines are 3-0 coming off a win against No. 4 Denver.