Marquette Women’s Lacrosse: A Rising Force in the Considerable EAST
The Marquette University women’s lacrosse team is demonstrating early-season dominance, currently ranked 10th nationally in goals per game (15.75) and leading the BIG EAST conference. Their upcoming matchup against Arizona State on Tuesday, February 24th, at 1:00 p.m. CT (streamed live on ESPN+) presents a key opportunity to build momentum.
From Northwestern Challenge to Sun Devil Showdown
Following a tough 25-7 loss to No. 4 Northwestern, where six different Golden Eagles scored, Marquette looks to rebound against Arizona State. Despite the defeat, the team showcased offensive versatility, with Riley Jenkins leading the charge with two goals. The series history between Marquette and Arizona State is evenly matched at 1-1, adding intrigue to this contest.
Offensive Firepower and National Rankings
Marquette’s offensive prowess is undeniable. Beyond averaging nearly 16 goals per game, their shooting accuracy is exceptional, boasting a .529 team shot percentage – 12th best in Division I and top in the BIG EAST. This efficiency is fueled by a balanced scoring attack, with 12 players contributing points and nine scoring multiple goals.
Key Players to Watch
Senior Tess Osburn is a standout performer, currently ranking 11th nationally with 14 goals and 12th with 19 points. Freshman Dani Serrano is also making an immediate impact, ranking 24th nationally in assists (8) and contributing significantly to the team’s overall offensive flow. Hanna Bodner, Riley Jenkins, Sarah Beth Burns, CJ Meehan, and Isabelle Casucci are also key contributors.
Defensive Resilience and Ground Ball Control
Marquette isn’t just about scoring. their defense is proving equally formidable. They lead the BIG EAST in caused turnovers (11.75 per game) and maintain a positive turnover margin (+18 overall). Ground ball control is also a strength, averaging 17.0 per game. Sofia Santana and Taylor Kotschevar lead the team in ground balls, demonstrating hustle, and tenacity.
Special Teams Success
The Golden Eagles are capitalizing on free-position opportunities, converting at a .750 clip (8th nationally, 1st in the BIG EAST). Their ability to draw fouls and convert them into goals is a significant advantage. They also maintain a balanced man-down situation, allowing only one goal while scoring one themselves.
The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Lacrosse
The Rise of Offensive Specialization
Marquette’s success highlights a growing trend in women’s lacrosse: increased offensive specialization. Teams are focusing on developing players with specific skill sets – shooters, passers, and drivers – to create more dynamic and unpredictable attacks. This is evident in Serrano’s role as a primary facilitator, complementing Osburn’s scoring ability.
Importance of Ground Ball Control and Transition Play
The emphasis on ground ball control and efficient transition play is becoming increasingly crucial. Teams that can consistently win possession and quickly move the ball into attacking positions gain a significant advantage. Marquette’s ground ball statistics demonstrate their commitment to this aspect of the game.
Defensive Strategies: Caused Turnovers and Turnover Margin
Aggressive defensive strategies focused on causing turnovers and creating a positive turnover margin are gaining prominence. Marquette’s leadership in caused turnovers reflects this trend. Forcing errors and capitalizing on opponent mistakes are becoming key components of successful defensive schemes.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Marquette vs. Arizona State game?
A: The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Q: What is Marquette’s record against Arizona State?
A: The all-time series is tied 1-1.
Q: Who are Marquette’s leading scorers?
A: Tess Osburn and Dani Serrano are currently leading the team in scoring.
Q: What is Marquette’s national ranking in goals per game?
A: Marquette is currently ranked 10th nationally in goals per game.
Did you know? Marquette is averaging 6.75 assists per game, ranking 22nd nationally and 1st in the BIG EAST.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Marquette’s free-position shooting – they are converting at a high rate, creating valuable scoring opportunities.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Marquette Women’s Lacrosse team’s season. Share your thoughts on the upcoming game against Arizona State in the comments below!
