Arizona State Women's Lacrosse Reaches New Milestones in New Head Coach Taryn VanThof's Inaugural Season

he Sun Devil Women's Lacrosse team had an eventful 2023 season under the guidance of a new head coach. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a limited number of home games and a demanding schedule, the Sun Devils showcased their talent and resilience throughout the season.The team kicked off the season with a home opener, followed by four-consecutive weekends on the road against ranked opponents. They showed their strength by holding Penn State to under 10 goals, joining an exclusive group of six teams to achieve this feat during the season. In a thrilling match against the seventh-ranked Florida team, although the Sun Devils suffered a loss, they pushed their opponents down to the tenth spot in the IWLCA Rankings. Throughout the season, the team faced four ranked opponents, including Penn State, Jacksonville, Florida, and USC. When competing in Tempe, Sun Devil Lacrosse had 3,373 fans in the stands for 2023.In a hard-fought year, the Sun Devils displayed exceptional performances and achieved notable milestones as a team. They ranked second in the NCAA for clear percentage for several weeks, demonstrating their efficiency in transitioning the ball. In the Pac-12 Tournament game against Cal, ASU only allowed five goals, tying for the second-fewest conceded in a Pac-12 Tournament game. The team also boasted the third-highest shot percentage in the Pac-12, with an impressive 74.7 percent. Their dominance in the draw controls was evident as they secured the second-most draw controls in the conference, totaling 263. Additionally, the Sun Devils recorded the most saves in the Pac-12, with 191, and the second-highest save percentage at 44.1 percent. Sun Devils outscored their opponent in free position goals with 47 for a 45.6 percent success rate making them eight percent better than opponents.Individual players made significant contributions to the team's success throughout the season. Freshman Teagan Ng was named the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, showcasing her exceptional talent and impact on the field. Fifth-year senior Kaylon Buckner earned a spot on the All-Conference Pac-12 Second Team, and she was also nominated as a Wings of Gold at Arizona State University Nominee. Gigi Gaspar and Katie Vahle were recognized for their outstanding performances and were named to the 2023 Pac-12 All-Tournament Team. Captains Kaylon Buckner and Katie Brodsky earned spots on Team North for the 2023 IWLCA Senior All-Star Game, making them the first two Sun Devils to achieve the feat.Buckner emerged as a leader for the Sun Devils, leading the team in various statistical categories, including goals, points, free position goals, shots on goal, draw controls, and free position shots. Buckner's consistent performance throughout the season was exemplary, and she was supported by other key players such as Mina Scott, Teagan Ng, Bella Gaspar, Colleen Ryan, Zoe Mazur, and Gigi Gaspar, who played and started in all 19 games.The season also witnessed many firsts for several players, as Claire Beucher, Keeley Cleland, Jordyn Behar, Alexa Ford, Kaitlyn Skamas, Tate Stokesberry, Annie Haley, McKenna Riley, Teagan Ng, Lydia Oldknow, Greta Stahl, Anna Thornton, and Berit Brookfield all scored their first goals as Sun Devils. The team showcased its depth and versatility with 18 different players finding the back of the net, with Buckner, Scott, and Ng leading the pack.In addition to their season accomplishments, several players achieved notable milestones in their careers. Buckner set a new record for draw controls, tallying 223 throughout her time at Arizona State. She also played the most games (80) in program history, leaving a lasting impact on the team. Katie Brodsky ranked fourth in Sun Devil Lacrosse history for points, totaling 142. Goalkeeper Katie Vahle reached over 300 saves (323) in the 2023 season, while Anna Winkeler notched five assists, the most in her three-year career. Defenders Kaitlyn Skamas and Helen Park also recorded career highs in ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls.Individually, Katie Vahle had an outstanding season, setting new single-season career highs in saves (171) and shots faced (490). Katie Brodsky tied her single-season career high in caused turnovers (4). Buckner capped off her graduate season with 35 goals and 43 points, the most in a single season for her.Overall, the Arizona State Sun Devils women's lacrosse team showcased their resilience, talent, and individual achievements throughout the 2023 season.Player Notables -

• Kaylon Buckner finished her career as the first overall draw control specialist for Arizona State (223).
• Kaylon Buckner has played the most games (80) in the Maroon and Gold over program history.
• Kaylon Buckner scored 35 goals and tallied 43 points, a career high as she leaves Arizona State.
• Attacker Katie Brodsky is fourth in Sun Devil Lacrosse history in points (142).
• Goalkeeper Katie Vahle reached over 300 saves (323) in 2023.
• Anna Winkeler had five assists, the most of her three-year career.
• Katie Vahle is 8th overall in the NCAA for saves per game (10.40).
• Teagan Ng leads all Pac-12 freshmen in goals (30) and has 43 points on the season. Ng has scored in 15 of 19 games for the Sun Devils.
• Defender Kaitlyn Skamas noted nine ground balls, three caused turnovers and 13 draw controls all for career highs.
• Defender Helen Park tallied three draw controls, 14 caused turnovers and 24 ground balls marking for single season and career highs.
• Annie Haley had highs in goals (9) and assists (6) for 15 points, the most in her two-year career.
• Freshman Keeley Cleland notched 10 draw controls, three caused turnovers and four ground balls for a single season and career highs.
• Sophomore attacker Tate Stokesberry reached 9 points for a career high and tallied seven goals, also a career and single season high.
• Katie Vahle reached a new single season career high in saves (171) and in shots faced (490).
• Katie Brodsky tied her single-season career high in caused turnovers (4).
• Kaylon Buckner scored 35 goals and tallied 43 points, the most in a single season for the graduate.
• Berit Brookfield reached a new single season record of 15 goals.
• Graduate attacker Greta Stahl marked a career high of 12 goals, doubling her goals from four years at Northwestern.
• Freshman defender Colleen Ryan had 12 ground balls and nine caused turnovers in 18 games played.
• Lydia Oldknow had a standout freshman year with 17 goals and 7 assists for 24 points, 11 ground balls and three caused turnovers.
• Her junior year is the best season yet for attacker Mina Scott as she played in all 19 games to tally 33 goals, six assists for 39 points, 12 ground balls, six caused turnovers and 14 draw controls.
• Zoe Mazur was one draw control short of tying her single season high (81).
• Gigi Gaspar reached a single game high in ground balls with five against Cal at the Pac-12 Tournament and broke her single season high with 27.

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