The ASU men's lacrosse team defeated No. 11 Oakland University and No. 25 Texas Tech in two physical, well contested games over the weekend.
The victories put ASU over .500 for the first time this season, giving them a record of 3-2. They also gave ASU momentum heading into two important games this weekend.
The Sun Devils defeated Texas Tech 14-10 Friday night. On Sunday afternoon they defeated Oakland University 16-13.
Midfielder Nick Cicchetti said he was pleased with the victories.
"It feels great to beat some ranked opponents," the junior said. "The program was shaky for so long, but these wins will turn some heads. We've got to keep it going."
Junior attacker Jeff Pilon led the Sun Devils with six assists and one goal in the Texas Tech game. Freshman Kalen Rickard, sophomore Paul Komar and senior Chris Blentzas each had three goals.
ASU started slowly, trailing the Red Raiders 3-4 at the end of the first quarter. At the half they were behind 4-5.
However, the Sun Devils outscored the Red Raiders 6-2 in the third quarter to take a 10-7 lead.
ASU had four goals in the final quarter, while Texas Tech had three.
ASU Coach Jon Minder said the team had some things to work on.
"We have to start the game better," the third-year coach said. "Our team defense has to get better. Our goalie is good, but we can't lean on him like we did tonight."
Senior Goalie Ethan Furtek had 20 saves.
In the game against Oakland on Sunday Kalen Rickard had six goals and Chris Blentzas added five. Jeff Pilon had one goal and seven assists.
Pilon currently has 22 assists and four goals on the season, making him the fourth leading scorer in Division A of the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League.
Midfielder Paul Komar said the adjustments the team made last week really helped the team.
"The biggest thing we did this week was come out with confidence," the Nutley, N.J. native said. "We were also stronger and faster."
Komar added that he was really enjoying the season.
"I'm lucky to be able to play with these guys," he said.
Minder said the team was looking to get into the rankings.
"We have good chemistry on offense right now," he said. "That's going to win games for us."
The Sun Devils look to keep their momentum when they travel to California next weekend for two important games.
On Saturday they play Chapman in an important divisional game. Chapman is currently 2-0.
On Sunday ASU plays Whittier College, an NCAA Division three lacrosse team.
Both games begin at 1 p.m.
The Sun Devils next home game is Friday, March 5 at 7 p.m. against UC Santa Barbara.
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.