Bulldogs set to play at Kent State

Friday, February 19

Kent, OH

12:00 PM PT

Fresno State

Kent State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Bulldogs set to play at Kent State

2/18/2021 9:45:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse

Game Notes (PDF)

By: Savannah Stoeckle / Strategic Communications Assistant

Fresno State (0-1) at Kent State (0-0)
Friday, Feb. 19 • 12:00 p.m. PT • Kent, Ohio
LIVE: Stats • Live updates on Twitter • Watch: Stream
Series History: First Meeting

QUICK LOOK - The Bulldogs and Flashes are scheduled to meet for the first time in program history on Friday afternoon.

LAST TIME OUT - Fresno State opened its 2021 season at UC Davis on Feb. 14 and fell 20-12. The Bulldogs struggled to find an offensive groove early on, but locked in during the second half, but the run wasn't enough to catch what UC Davis had already managed to do.

OKAY FRESHIES - Three Bulldog freshmen made significant impacts on the Bulldogs' season opener, in all phases of the game. Sloane Skalstad (midfield), Devon Ortman (defense) and Logann Eldredge (attack) totaled four goals, seven ground balls, three caused turnovers and 11 draw controls. All three also got the start in their collegiate debuts.

DIDN'T SKIP A BEAT - Sophomore Hennessey Evans had a big year last season as a first-year Bulldog and she is rolling into her second year with that same energy. In the season opener, Evans had one goal, two assists, six ground balls and one draw control. Her six ground balls ties for the third-most in a game in program history. The last Bulldog to accomplish that statistic in a game was Abbigayle Roberts with six at Stetson in 2019.

Evans finished the 2020 season with 21 ground balls, 13 draw controls and eight caused turnovers, while also adding four goals and an assist on the attack.

SKALSTAD SQUARED - The Skalstad sisters in junior Sydney Skalstad and freshman Sloane Skalstad gave an early look into the intensity that they will bring to the field this season in the opener at UC Davis. Both Skalstads started the game with Sydney at attack and Sloane at midfield.

Sydney finished the game with two goals on six shots, and added an additional two draw controls. Sloane fired away in her collegiate debut with two goals on seven shots, two ground balls and a team-high seven draw controls. Her seven draw controls tie for the third-most in a game in program history.

COURTNEY IN THE CAGE - Senior goalkeeper Courtney Walburger earned her first collegiate start at UC Davis last weekend, and picked up a career-high nine saves in 60 minutes of action. She also had one caused turnover against the Aggies.

SENIOR CAPTAINS - Head coach Kara Concheck announced the 2021 team captains on Friday, Feb. 12. The Bulldogs' six seniors in Lauren Gonzales, Lauren Kiszely, Hannah Krats, Abbigayle Roberts, Courtney Walburger and Megan Walaitis, will lead the team as captains for the season.

A LOOK AT THE ROSTER - Fresno State returns 11 players who saw play time a season ago, including its leading scorer in Sydney Skalstad and assist leader in Lauren Kiszely.

The Bulldogs return Megan Walaitis, Hannah Krats, Hennessey Evans, Taylor Anders, Lauren Gonzales, Abbigayle Roberts, Kristen Zenor, Alyssa Guidi and Courtney Walburger as players who had an impact last season. Fresno State added five freshmen to the team for the 2021 season.

SCOUTING KENT STATE - The Flashes were picked to finish third in the Mid-American Conference this season. Kent State opens its season against the Bulldogs. The program is only in its third year of competition, and first with the MAC. The Flashes return every player who recorded a point from the 2020 season, including the all-time leading scorer in Abby Jones. Kent State did not win a game last season.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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