Professional lacrosse will take the field at Torero Stadium this weekend, highlighted by the San Diego debut of the Women’s Lacrosse League’s California Palms.

The first-year Palms (1-1) will play the New York Charging (2-2) Saturday at 8 p.m. The match features the league’s top two scoring teams.

Saturday marks a tripleheader at the home of the University of San Diego’s football and soccer teams. The day begins with a men’s Premier Lacrosse League game between the Maryland Whipsnakes (3-2) facing the Denver Outlaws (2-2) at 1 p.m., followed by a PLL game between the California Redwoods (3-1) and the Boston Cannons (1-4) at 2:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the PLL’s Philadelphia Waterdogs (2-2) face the Utah Archers (2-3) at 1 p.m. before the Redwoods play the Carolina Chaos (3-2) at 3:30 p.m.

All five games will be streamed live on ESPN+.

A former Duke star who has been coaching in Southern California, Palms coach Mandy Buss has been helping grow the game in the area. She sees the showcase as a way to further expand the sport locally.

“It’s so important that we are here in San Diego to spread the message about our game,” said Buss, who coached Manhattan Beach’s Mira Costa High School to a CIF championship this season. “We want to grow the game in this region. It’s crucial that the young players see role models, players that they can look up to.”

The Palms are in the hunt for the second annual WLL championship. The four-team league also includes the Boston Guard and Maryland Charm.

San Diego fighter on Pechanga card

San Diego’s Liz “Girl-Rilla” Carmouche (25-8) squares off against Brazil’s Viviane Araujo (14-70 Saturday in an eight-card  Professional Fighters League event at Pechanga Arena.

Carmouche trains out of the Arena Gym off Sports Arena Blvd., and said she feels right at home at nearby Pechanga — formerly the San Diego Sports Arena.

“My whole career has been building to this point,” Carmouche said. “I have trained harder than ever for this opportunity. I am going to give my best.”

Strike Force update

The San Diego Strike Force (9-2) of the Indoor Football League visit the Jacksonville Sharks (9-3) at 4:30 p.m. Sunday with a chance to improve playoff position.

The Strike Force have won five straight games, including last week’s 52-37 road victory over the NAZ Wranglers.

The win vaulted the Strike Force into first-place in the Western Conference standings, a half-game over the Vegas Knight Hawks (9-3).

With four games remaining in the regular season, the Strike Force have the inside track to lock down the top playoff seed. The Oceanside-based club visits Vegas on July 12.