ASU Women’s Lacrosse Achieves Historic Big 12 Win

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The ASU Women's Lacrosse team celebrates their inaugural Big 12 victory.

News Summary

The ASU Women’s Lacrosse team made history with a thrilling 14-12 victory over the University of Cincinnati in their Big 12 debut. After a rocky start to the season, ASU demonstrated resilience, with standout performances in the final quarter, notably from junior attacker Teagan Ng and goalkeeper Katie Vahle. This victory marks a significant milestone for the program as they navigate their first season in the Big 12 conference, inspiring fans with their determination and skill.

ASU Women’s Lacrosse Makes History with Thrilling Victory in Big 12 Debut

Tempe, Arizona – The excitement was palpable at Sun Devil Lacrosse Stadium as the ASU Women’s Lacrosse team celebrated their inaugural victory in the Big 12 conference, defeating the University of Cincinnati 14-12 on March 29, 2025. This win not only marked a significant milestone for the program but also reaffirmed their tenacity as emerging competitors in the sport.

A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Prior to this game, the Sun Devils had been struggling. With a record of 7-4 and fresh wounds from losses to Dartmouth and Marquette, the team needed a strong comeback more than ever. The arena was buzzing with a vibrant crowd ready to rally behind their team, and they didn’t have to wait long for the action to kick off. Just after the game began, ASU quickly jumped to a 2-0 lead – an encouraging start that had fans on their feet.

Cincinnati retaliated, but ASU’s Jordyn Behar found the net, pushing the Sun Devils ahead 3-1 by the end of the first quarter. Everything seemed to be going ASU’s way, and the excitement continued to build. But things took a turn in the second quarter as Cincinnati shifted the momentum in their favor, scoring four unanswered goals and leaving ASU in a 5-3 deficit at halftime.

A Thrilling Third Quarter

The third quarter was nothing short of a nail-biter, featuring a staggering total of ten goals. Both teams split the goals evenly, with Cincinnati holding onto a slight edge at 10-8 as they headed into the final quarter. Fans were on the edge of their seats, feeling the tension rise as the game reached its climax.

Fourth Quarter Surge

To add to the celebration, Behar joined the party with a hat trick of her own and notched five assists throughout the match, showcasing her strong playmaking skills. ASU’s six goals in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the victory and filled the stadium with cheers from dedicated fans.

Game Heroes Shine Bright

Head Coach Taryn VanThof Puls was ecstatic about the team’s execution during the game, particularly in the final quarter. The coach focused on the importance of taking each moment they discussed in practice seriously, and it paid off big time. Senior goalkeeper Katie Vahle, who has been a wall in front of the goal, recorded an astounding 14 saves, breaking the program record for most career saves. Her resilience on defense was key to the team’s success, and she expressed satisfaction with her recent performance, noting that she feels she’s returning to form.

What’s Next for the Sun Devils?

With this historic victory under their belts, the Sun Devils are set to face tough rivals, including Colorado and fifth-ranked Florida, in upcoming Big 12 matchups. Coach VanThof Puls is keeping her focus on taking it one game at a time, preparing her team for the challenges that lie ahead in their inaugural season in the Big 12 conference.

This win is just the beginning for the ASU Women’s Lacrosse team, and fans are energized, looking forward to more thrilling games and remarkable accomplishments as they navigate this exciting chapter in their program’s history.