Clemson Women's Lacrosse: Tigers Dominate Queens in Commanding Victory

Natalie Shurtleff continues to be a key contributor for Clemson's offense. (Photo By: Tyler Good/Clemson Athletics)

Clemson Women’s Lacrosse is currently ranked No. 6/7, marking the first time the program has ever been within the top 10. The Tigers came into today’s game 5-0 (2-0 ACC) with back-to-back ranked matchups, including a 9-8 victory over Syracuse. The Tigers’ game against the Queens Royals offered a welcome reprieve from difficult ACC play. The Royals recently defeated Stonehill College 10-9. For Clemson, Emily Lamparter started in goal against Devan Maready for Queens.

Natalie Shurtleff demonstrated why the Clemson Tigers have one of the most explosive offenses, netting two goals in the first 1:45 of the game. However, the Queens Royals were not easily intimidated. Off two Clemson turnovers, they capitalized in transition, tying the game at 2-2. In the cage for the Royals, Devan Maready proceeded to make quality saves in an attempt to quiet the Tigers’ offense. Queens matched the pace of play for the majority of the first quarter until a yellow card from Lily Greenwell—then the bleeding began. Clemson scored three goals in the last 1:13 to build a 7-3 lead.

From there, Clemson applied the gas. Five different Tigers recorded goals throughout the second quarter, including Kayla MacLeod, Katie Castiello, Lindsey Marshall, Demma Hall, and Jasmine Stanton. The Tigers applied pressure all over the field, leading the Royals to record only two shots on goal in the second quarter. Queens' Isabella Swanson was able to find the back of the net before entering the half. The damage had been done, though—Clemson was up 14-4.

One of the highest-scoring offenses in the NCAA continued to share the ball. Regan Bryne led the team, scoring five goals off six shots. The Tigers had 11 different goal scorers, with five players recording three or more goals. They were accurate, putting 37 of 42 shots on goal. In assists, Brooke Goldstein led the team with three, while Hall and Stanton added two each.

Kira Balis once again dominated the center circle. The freshman set a program-high for most draw control wins in a single game at 20. Overall, Clemson led draw controls 29-4. This essentially stifled the Royals’ offense while allowing the Tigers to maintain time of possession.

Clemson Women’s Lacrosse took care of business, defeating Queens 25-5. The program, now 6-0, continued to break records, further cementing its growth this season. Now, the focus turns back to the ACC. Clemson will host No. 17 Duke on Saturday in what is set to be a thrilling matchup. Pay attention, as this lacrosse season proves to be one worthy of the history books!