Sun Devil Lacrosse Set for Home Opener Test Against No. 22 Denver
TEMPE - Arizona State Lacrosse is back in action, and they’re wasting no time jumping into the deep end. The Sun Devils open their home slate this Thursday at noon MST with a major early-season test against No.
22 Denver. The matchup will stream live on ESPN+, with real-time stats available via Stat Broadcast.
This isn’t just any home opener-it’s a chance for ASU to build on a rock-solid foundation at Sun Devil Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium. Last season, they went 7-2 at home, setting program records for both single-season and single-game attendance.
And historically? They’ve been unbeatable in home openers, boasting a perfect 8-0 mark all-time.
That’s the kind of momentum you want when a nationally ranked opponent comes to town.
Early Season Takeaways
Arizona State kicked off its 2026 campaign last weekend with a heartbreaker against former Pac-12 rival Oregon. The Sun Devils controlled much of the game and held a lead until the final minutes of regulation, but ultimately fell 12-11 in overtime. Still, there was plenty to like in that performance.
Three different Sun Devils-Lydia Oldknow, Teagan Ng, and Jordyn Behar-opened the season with hat tricks, showing the offensive firepower this group can bring. Behar, in particular, is already living up to her billing as one of the league’s top attackers.
And then there’s Anna Viglione. The junior midfielder was a force at the draw circle, racking up 11 draw controls in the season opener.
That’s not just a good day-it’s a continuation of what made her a unanimous selection as the Big 12’s Preseason Draw Specialist of the Year. Viglione’s ability to control possession is going to be a cornerstone for ASU all season long.
The talent runs deep for the Sun Devils. Alongside Viglione and Behar, four other players earned spots on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, giving ASU one of the most decorated rosters in the conference heading into the year.
Scouting No. 22 Denver
Denver comes into Tempe fresh off a dominant 15-4 win over USC earlier this week. That kind of performance on the road is no small feat, and it’s a reminder that this is a team with postseason pedigree. Last season, Denver went 14-6 overall and 6-4 away from home, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Stanford in the opening round.
There’s also a unique twist to this matchup-Denver associate head coach Taylor VanThof is the sister of ASU head coach Taryn VanThof Puls. So yes, there’s a little family bragging rights on the line, too.
What to Watch
This game is going to be decided in the middle of the field. If Viglione can once again dominate the draw circle and give ASU’s offense extra possessions, the Sun Devils will have a shot to pull off the upset. But Denver’s defense is no joke, and they’re coming in with confidence after shutting down USC.
For ASU, it’s about finishing what they start. They had Oregon on the ropes last week but couldn’t close the door. Against a ranked opponent like Denver, those late-game moments become even more critical.
The Sun Devils have the talent, the home crowd, and the motivation to make a statement. Now it’s time to see if they can put it all together.