No. 7 women’s lacrosse seeks a perfect 10


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The women’s lacrosse team (9-0) hits the road to take on Fresno State (3-7) on Thursday at 5 p.m.

The Women of Troy have climbed to No. 7 in the country after continuing to impress over the course of the season. Now at the halfway mark of the campaign, USC will square off against a Bulldogs team desperate for a victory. Fresno State has lost four straight, including an 8-7 overtime loss at San Diego State this weekend.

The two teams have a handful of common opponents, including Stetson and Oregon. USC clobbered Stetson in the season opener in a 21-2 rout, while Fresno State won 14-6 over the Hatters. But Oregon was a different story for Fresno State. USC demolished the Ducks, 17-4, at McAlister Field last weekend, but Fresno State fell 15-10 when they traveled to Eugene.

USC is Fresno State’s highest-ranked opposition since the Bulldogs met then-No. 4 Florida in 2012.

Speaking of Florida, the Gators are No. 2 in the country right now, second best only to Maryland. The Terps occupy the top spot in the rankings with a perfect 8-0 record.

Something stands out when sifting through the top 20 rankings. While the usual suspects are present and accounted for, USC one of just two teams with an unbeaten record.

If the Trojans continue to play at this level, it will be a serious threat to bring home the hardware come season’s end. The team takes things one game at a time, though, and not a single player on the roster will underestimate Fresno State.

The Bulldogs’ depth could be an issue against USC, seeing as they typically only work some four or five substitutes into the action. The Women of Troy, meanwhile, mix it up quite well and get solid performances from non-starters.

USC’s balanced attack, which senior attacker Caroline deLyra praised after the win over Oregon, has given opponents major problems so far. Junior attacker Michaela Michael is leading the charge with her 39 goals, but the assist-machine deLyra finds countless ways to find her teammates in dangerous areas.

USC’s depth, versatile attack and sheer momentum at the moment point to another blowout win. However, what makes this team great is its perpetual desire to improve. These players refuse to let any hint of complacency hold them back, which is a beautiful thing for head coach Lindsey Munday and the faithful at McAlister Field.

Following Thursday’s match, the Trojans will take on San Diego State at home on Saturday afternoon.