Nov. 17, 2001
STANFORD, Calif. - Freshman Tony Azevedo scored twice in the fourth quarter in an attempted comeback, but California held Stanford to three goals to claim the Big Splash title with a 4-3 win today at the Avery Aquatic Center. The upset by No. 6 California (13-6) was the first loss for the top-ranked Cardinal (17-1) this season.
Golden Bear senior Spencer Dornin got the scoring started with a goal just over two minutes into the game. Stanford junior Jeff Guyman rallied with a goal at 4:43 in the second period off a deep pass from goalkeeper Nick Ellis. California then tacked on two goals by Greg Panawek and Dornin to make the halftime score 3-1.
Joe Kaiser chalked up one more goal in the game for the Golden Bears, just over a minute into the third quarter. The Cal defense was sturdy and held the Stanford offense to just one goal in the first three periods. Cal goalie Russell Bernstein energized his team 13 saves in the game. Azevedo did not relent, though, and put up two more goals in the fourth quarter to cut the Cal lead to one with three minutes left to play.
Stanford was unable to capitalize on 6-on-5 possessions throughout the match and Cal's defense was strong limiting the Cardinal to three goals on 31 shots.
This was the final regular season game for Stanford who will look to rebound at the MPSF Tournament, which begins on Friday, November 23 in Berkeley, Calif.
Stanford (17-1, 8-0 MPSF) 0 1 0 2 = 3
California (13-6, 3-5 MPSF) 1 2 1 0 = 4
Stanford scorers: Azevedo 2, Guyman 1
California scorers: Dornin 2, Panawek 1, Kaiser 1
Goalie saves: Ellis (S) 7, Bernstein (C) 13