Feb. 14, 2004
STANFORD, Calif. - The No. 14 ranked Stanford University women's lacrosse team opened the 2004 season with a 15-4 win over the visiting UC Davis Aggies on Saturday afternoon at Maloney Field. Led by three second half goals from sophomore Megan Burker, the Cardinal exploded for 12 second half scores en route to the 15-4 win. The Cardinal who garnered their first ever preseason ranking, improve to 1-0 on the season, while the Aggies fall to 0-1 on the year.
The first half of action was quiet for both teams, as the Cardinal held a slim 3-1 lead going into the break. The Cardinal pressed the attack in the first half, outshooting the Aggies 21-5, but it was UC Davis who would strike first. UC Davis senior midfielder Kelly Albin got the Aggies on the board first with an unassisted goal in the 15th minute. Stanford's defense responded and clamped down on the Aggies allowing just three more shots in the half.
The Cardinal would knot things up at 1-1, when freshman attacker Michelle DeChant notched her first career collegiate goal at the 19:36 mark. Burker would make the score 2-1 with her first strike of the day at the 25:38 mark. Stanford would strike again, just under a minute later when junior midfielder Nina Pantano received a pass from fellow junior Kelsey Twist and slipped a shot past UC Davis goalkeeper Kristen Braasch with 3:38 left in the half.
The Cardinal stayed aggressive in the second half, registering 12 second half scores. Senior midfielder Abbi Hills and Burker each tallied three second half scores, while senior Kim Cahill added two goals. Also adding goals in the second half was sophomore attacker Sarah Bach, Twist, Pantano, and DeChant.
Scoring goals for the Aggies in the second half were senior midfielder Naomi Coffman, freshman attacker Katie McMahon, and Albin.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kate Horowitz registered eight saves in the win.
The Cardinal are back in action on Monday night when they host the Saint Mary's Gaels at Maloney Field for a 7:00 pm (PT) game.
Game Score
UC Davis - 4
Stanford - 15
UC Davis Goals - Kelly Albin 2, Naomi Coffman 1, Katie McMahon 1.
Stanford Goals - Megan Burker 4, Abbi Hills 3, Kim Cahill 2, Nina Pantano 2, Sarah Bach 1, Kelsey Twist 1.
Stanford Assists - Kim Cahill 3, Kelsey Twist 2, Sarah Bach 1, Megan Burker 1, Tiffany Chao 1, Jessica Verrilli 1.
Stanford Saves - Horowitz 8, Saikus 1.