SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — No. 13-ranked Indiana University put the finishing touches on their first weekend in the pool of the 2018 season by suffering a 10-3 defeat versus No. 5 Arizona State University for the Hoosiers’ first loss of the year.
Kelly Matthews found productive moments to place two goals past the Sun Devil defense, adding an assist on Jennifer Beadle‘s goal in the second half. Matthews finishes Indiana’s opening weekend with 11 goals created (five goals, six assists).
Matthews and Sarah Myers each swiped two steals, aiding a defensive effort that saw Arizona State convert just one-of-eight power play opportunities. In three games this weekend, the Hoosiers held their opponents to four-of-28 in six-on-five situations.
Against the Sun Devils, Matthews slotted Indiana’s first score on their second power play chance of the game, pulling Indiana within two goals of Arizona State midway through the first period on Megan Abarta‘s assist. The standout senior found another successful strike in the second quarter to keep the Hoosiers close. But a 2-0 run at the end of the half gave the Sun Devils a 7-2 lead entering the break.
Beadle added to a strong first weekend in the water with a third quarter goal, receiving an assist from Matthews before stretching the netting. Beadle ends the weekend with five goals and one assist; the score versus Arizona State was the 104th of her career.
The Hoosiers did well to create scoring opportunities but couldn’t find much space past Arizona State’s defensive unit. Mollie Williams matched a career high with three drawn exclusions, followed by Joelle Nacouzi and Sarah Young with two apiece.
Indiana also fell to the Chinese National Team in an exhibition game by an 11-4 final score.
