WLAX game of the week: Stanford vs Clemson

Valentine’s Day brings more than roses. This year, it is delivering a top-10 showdown as No. 9 Clemson Tigers host No. 4 Stanford Cardinal in a nonconference game.

Both programs enter the weekend riding strong season-opening performances, setting the stage for one of the early statement games of the 2026 women’s lacrosse season.

Clemson’s Fast Start Fueled by Defense

Clemson has been dominant through two games, outscoring opponents 38-6 and ranking inside the top-10 nationally in eight different categories. The Tigers most recently defeated Furman, 18-1.

The offensive star power has been Alexa Spallina, who put her name in the Clemson record book Tuesday with a 10-point performance with six goals and four assists. Spallina leads the team with 17 points through two games and has sparked an offense that tallied 13 assists against Furman, tied for the fifth-most in program history.

Regan Byrne added four goals in the win, pushing her career total to 62. Emma Penczek recorded her first career hat trick.

Defensively, Clemson forced 17 turnovers, which is the third-highest single-game total in program history, and has set the tone with relentless pressure. The Tigers' ability to control possession and convert efficiently drew early attention throughout the ACC.

Stanford’s Veteran Presence

Stanford opened its season in dominant fashion as well, beating UC Davis 23-7 with 11 different goal scorers. The Cardinal never trailed and held a commanding 12-1 halftime lead.

Aliya Polisky headlined a set of hat tricks.

One of the biggest storylines for Stanford is the return of Annabel Frist, who saw action for the first time since April 2024 and made an immediate impact with a goal, an assist, and nine draw controls. Frist ranks ninth all-time in career goals with 126 and second in career draw controls with 327; she sits just 45 away from tying the program record.

On the draw circle, Stanford returns 98 percent of its production from a season ago, with six players already recording a draw control this year. That depth could loom large against a Clemson squad that thrives on possession and transition.

Stanford currently ranks No. 4 in the IWLCA Poll, which ties the highest ranking in program history.

The Game

These teams met once before, with Stanford winning 14-8 last April. Saturday allows Clemson a chance to avenge that loss and secure what would be the sixth-ranked win in program history.

For Stanford, the game marks the first major road game of a three-game East Coast swing. Clemson has capitalized on turnovers early; Stanford’s ball security will be critical.

With a top 10 ranking, explosive offenses, and early-season confidence on both sidelines, this game will be an early-season heated battle that’s left with some broken hearts.

Bronwyn Liber is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.