March 9, 2003
Santa Barbara, Calif. - The top-ranked Stanford women's water polo team claimed second place at the UCSB Gaucho Invitational today. The Cardinal toppled Long Beach State, 4-2, in its first match of the day to advance to the title game against UCLA. The Cardinal and the Bruins had faced off twice before in 2003 with Stanford winning both of the previous contests, but today the Bruins notched the 7-3 win. Stanford is now 10-1 on the season while UCLA improved 10-3.
Against the 49ers, Stanford posted a 4-2 victory as Nicole Huszcz, Hannah Luber, Kelty Luber, and Scotti Shafer each tallied one goal to take the Cardinal into the championship game. Long Beach posted its two goals during the second quarter and held a 2-1 lead at the break, but Stanford took over in the second half and shut down the 49ers' offense for the victory.
In the first place match, the Bruins came out strong, carrying a 4-1 lead into halftime. The Cardinal could not overcome the deficit, posting two goals in the third quarter and falling by a 7-3 margin. Stanford had previously beaten UCLA in the Stanford Invitational championship and the regular season conference match-up.
Stanford will have a two-week hiatus and will return to action on Sunday, March 23rd for a noon match against San Diego State. The Cardinal return to The Farm on Saturday, March 29th as Stanford hosts the USC Women of Troy at 7 p.m.
Game #7
Stanford vs. Long Beach State
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Stanford Scoring:Nicole Huszcz 1, Hannah Luber 1, Kelty Luber 1, Scotti Shafer 1.
Long Beach State Scoring: Stewart 2.
Game #16
Stanford vs. UCLA
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Stanford Scoring: Lauren Faust 2, Brenda Villa 1.
UCLA Scoring: Beauregard 3, Golda 2, Stachowski 1, Heineck 1.