'Dogs host No. 16 Stanford

Fresno State (1-7, 0-0 MPSF) vs No. 16 Stanford (5-0, 4-0 Pac 12)
Wednesday, Mar. 31 • 3:00 p.m. PT • Fresno, Calif.
LIVE: Stats • WATCH: MW Network • Live updates on Twitter
Series History: Stanford leads, 12-0

QUICK LOOK - The Bulldogs are 1-7 this season. The lone win for Fresno State came on the road in a 20-11 victory at Kent State on Feb. 19. The Bulldogs opened the season with four-straight road games before having their first two home events in back-to-back games, followed by two more road games. Fresno State's mid-week game against Stanford will close out the nonconference schedule for the Bulldogs this season.

LAST TIME OUT - The Fresno State lacrosse team last fell at Cal, 11-9.

RANKED OPPONENT - Stanford is the second ranked opponent that the Bulldogs will face this season. The 'Dogs traveled to then-No. 20 USC on Mar. 21, and fell 20-7. Since that game, USC has fallen out of the IWLCA rankings, and Stanford has continued to move up the rankings. The Cardinal is ranked No. 16 in this week's IWLCA poll.

WE'LL BE TOGETHER SOON - A limited number of family members and guests of Fresno State student-athletes and coaches will be allowed to attend outdoor home sporting events beginning on April 1, 2021. This exciting update to spectator attendance is based on California Governor Gavin Newsom's updated COVID-19 policies and with guidance from the Fresno County Department of Public Health. For the remainder of this academic year, attendance will be strictly limited to families and guests of Fresno State student-athletes and coaches in order to comply with the facility capacity restrictions required by public health officials. For the official release, click here.

Friends and family of Bulldog lacrosse student-athletes and coaches can expect to be inside the Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium cheering for the 'Dogs for Senior Day (April 24) and the MPSF Championship (April 30 - May 1).

BIG WEEK IN THE MPSF - For the first time this season, the Bulldogs earned two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Players of the Week. Freshman attacker Logann Eldredge earned her fourth Rookie of the Week honor of the season, and second in as many weeks. Senior attacker Megan Walaitis was named the Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career.

TURNOVERS, BUT THE GOOD KIND - Fresno State leads the MPSF in caused turnovers per game, averaging 7.14 in a contest this season. The Bulldogs' defensive efforts are led by midfielder Hennessey Evans who has a team-high 12 caused turnovers on the year. Evans has recorded at least one caused turnover in all but one game this season and she is second, individually, in the MPSF standings. Hannah Krats (MF) is next on the team with seven turnovers caused this season.

GROUND BALL MAGNETS - Fresno State leads the conference and is ranked No. 27 in the NCAA in ground balls per game (18.75). Collectively, the Bulldogs have 150 ground balls on the year, led by senior Abbigayle Roberts with 21 and sophomore Hennessey Evans right behind with 20. The Bulldogs have had 12 or more ground balls in every game this season. Fresno State had 35 ground balls at Robert Morris on Feb. 23. The 35 ground balls were the second-most in a game in program history.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP - Senior attacker Megan Walaitis has stepped up in a big way for the Bulldogs. The senior now is tied for the team high in points with 17 goals and six assists. Her 17 goals in eight games this season is a new single-season best for the senior, as her previous mark was 15 goals in 17 games as a freshman in 2018. Walaitis has the highest shooting percentage on the team, a .486 mark with 17 goal on 35 shots.

SHE CAN ASSIST - Senior attacker Lauren Kiszely has continued to do what she does best, assisting. The senior Bulldog tied her single-game high of the season at Cal, with four assists on the day. Kiszely has a team-high 14 assists on the year. She leads the conference by four assists, and also has the top two single-game highs in the conference this season. With her four assists last time out, Kiszely ties for second all-time in career assists at Fresno State. The senior ties with Sarah Bloise (2016-18) in the program standings. Tiffiny Wallace (2017-20) is the program's all-time leader with 66 assists.

COURTNEY IN THE CAGE - Senior goalkeeper Courtney Walburger had some big shoes to fill as she stepped up into the starting goalkeeper position in 2021, but she has not disappointed. Walburger has recorded a career-high 14 saves in two games for the Bulldogs. She ranks No. 8 in the country in saves (88), and in saves per game (11.00). She also leads the conference in both categories.

ENDURANCE FOR DAYS - Fresno State is sporting a minimal roster this season due to a number of reasons. The Bulldog lacrosse team is made up of just 18 student-athletes. Outside of the starting 12, there are not many available for substitutions in a game, but that has not stopped the 'Dogs from competing for a full 60 minutes.

SCOUTING NO. 16 STANFORD - Stanford is 5-0 on the season, 4-0 in its conference play. The Cardinal has held all but one of its opponents to under 10 goals per contest. Stanford has led its opponents in goals (79-44), shots (172-116), shots on goal (132-80), draw controls (82-50), ground balls (100-88) and caused turnovers (41-28). The Cardinal is led by Ali Baiocco with 20 goals this season. Genesis Lucero leads the team with 41 draw control. Stanford is the nation's leader in assists, averaging 10.2 a game this season. The team has three who have assisted in double digits this season, and 11 total players who account for its 51 assists.

Familiar opponents between the schools so far this season include UC Davis, Arizona State and Cal.

"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.

Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateLAX
Instagram: FresnoStateLAX
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics

'Dogs host No. 16 Stanford

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Sarah Bloise

Logann Eldredge

Hennessey Evans

Lauren Kiszely

Hannah Krats

Abbigayle Roberts

Megan Walaitis

Courtney Walburger

Tiffiny Wallace

Fresno State Athletics