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Sun Devil Lacrosse Heads East to Take on Liberty and Presbyterian

Kerri Clayton Named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week Opens in a new window How to get ESPN+ Opens in a new window
Sun Devil Lacrosse Heads East to Take on Liberty and PresbyterianSun Devil Lacrosse Heads East to Take on Liberty and Presbyterian
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Sun Devil Lacrosse team makes a trip to the East Coast this weekend, taking on the Liberty Flames on Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m. MST before matching up with the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Sunday, April 14 at 10 a.m. MST.

Coming off a weekend in which they split a pair of Pac-12 Conference games, the Sun Devils will dip back into the non-conference portion of their schedule. Arizona State made history during last Friday's game against Oregon, defeating the Ducks a second time this season in a thrilling, 15-14, overtime victory at Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium. The two wins over Oregon represent the first sweep of a Pac-12 program in school history.

Attacker Kerri Clayton put together the best individual performance by a Sun Devil in last Friday's victory over Oregon. Clayton was dominant on offense, tying a Pac-12 conference record and setting a school record with 12 points (8 goals & 4 assists). Clayton's 12 points are the most recorded in a single game by a player in the Pac-12 this season, and tie Colorado's Darby Kiernan for the most points in a single-game by a Pac-12 Player. For her efforts, Kerri Clayton took home Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. This represents the first conference player of the week award for Clayton and the second in program history, joining teammate Kaylon Buckner, who captured Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after a terrific collegiate debut in week one. Clayton has been on a tear as of late, scoring 11 goals and racking up 15 points over her last three games.

Congrats to the #Pac12Lax Offensive Player of the Week, @SunDevilWLax's Kerri Clayton scored eight goals in the team's 15-14 win over Oregon. Defensive Player of the Week, Jackie Gilbert led @USCTrojansLax to its first-ever shutout in program history. More https://t.co/58v9ZlVHGM pic.twitter.com/HLNTrjpOf5

— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) April 8, 2019
"I was satisfied that Kerri was properly recognized for her performance on Friday," Coach Martinez Connor remarked. "It doesn't surprise anyone around here because we know she is capable of producing at a high level."

After continuing to add to her single-season record with a four-assist performance on Sunday against Colorado, sophomore Emily Glagolev now leads the Pac-12 with 22 assists this season. She has taken her game to another level since the Sun Devils started Pac-12 Conference play.  Glagolev's 29 points during conference play are tied for the second most while her 16 assists are six more than any other Pac-12 individual has recorded against conference competition.

Goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau has handled a heavy work load extremely well so far in 2019.  The junior averages 10.85 saves/game, a mark that ranks second in the Pac-12 and places her in the Top-10 in the nation. She has been the epitome of durability and consistency, playing 781 of a possible 785 minutes in goal this season. Bonneau registered another double-digit save performance against No. 23 Colorado this weekend, giving her nine this season and 18 during her two-year Sun Devil career.

The future of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program has been on display all season, with 11 members of the freshman class seeing playing time (Buckner, McCaffrey, McGlothlin, Martel, Kroah, Hood, Anotonucci, Brodsky, Odell, Class, Payne). The freshman class has managed to make an instant impact, starting a total of 52 games while producing a combined 40 points (27 goals & 13 assists), 86 ground balls, 39 caused turnovers, and 48 draw controls.

Arizona State prepares to take on the Liberty Flames in the first game of the weekend on Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m. MST. The Flames are coming off a 13-win campaign in 2018, the most victories in a single season in school history. Liberty offers a tough road environment for the Sun Devils, as the Flames are 11-2 at Liberty Lacrosse Stadium over the last two seasons. Head Coach Kelly Nangle is in her sixth season at the helm and has the Flames off to a strong 10-2 start, posting a 3-0 record in the Atlantic Sun. Liberty is currently riding a six-game win streak, most recently picking up a road win at Coastal Carolina on March 31. Junior Carly White leads the way offensively with 45 points (27 goals & 18 assists) while goalkeeper Katherine Widrick has 10 wins and 92 saves in net this season. The Flames lead the country in caused turnovers, forcing 16.33 per game. The matchup will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.

"They beat us on our turf last year and we hope to return the favor," Coach Martinez Connor stated. "It will be a tough challenge for our attack as they are an excellent defensive team."

The second game of the weekend sees the Sun Devils take on the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Sunday, April 14 at 10 a.m. MST. Presbyterian home games take place at their football facility, Bailey Memorial Stadium. A season ago, the two sides matched up in Tempe, with Arizona State picking up a dominating 23-5 victory. The 23 goals scored and 18-goal margin of victory still stand as program records. Attacker Taylor Carson was outstanding, producing a career-best six goals in the win. The Blue Hose are led by Head Coach Jenna Handshoe, who is in her first season at the helm in Clinton. Sarah Marshall leads the way for the Presbyterian offense, recording 31 points (22 goals and nine assists) while Natalie Barnett has filled the stat sheet, totaling 14 goals, 11 ground balls, and 17 draw controls in 2019. The matchup will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.

Can't get that first home game feeling out of our heads! Major thanks to Sun Devil Nation for coming out in full support! #SunDevilSpark pic.twitter.com/Y4ujVNBji2

— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) March 4, 2018
"You can't take anyone lightly at this level, regardless of a team's win-loss record." Coach Martinez Connor mentioned. "Our goal will be to maintain focus and come out and take care of business from the opening whistle."

To watch the games this weekend, you must be signed up for an ESPN+ subscription. The service offers a free seven-day trial option with terms listed here. For more information on how to sign-up for the free trial or subscribe to an ESPN+ package, visit the following link. Live stats for the game against Liberty and Presbyterian will be made available to the media and public.

If you can't watch the game, you can still keep up to date with the latest information and updates along all season by following our Instagram/Twitter (@SunDevilWLax) as well as liking our Facebook. Visit TheSunDevils.com for additional information on Sun Devil Lacrosse.