Sept. 8, 2004
Evanston, Ill. - Aska Sturdevan scored the game's only goal, while Ana Kralovec posted her first career solo shutout to lead Stanford (3-3) to a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Northwestern (4-1) in a non-conference field hockey match on Wednesday at the Leonard B. Thomas Athletic Complex. Sturdevan scored her first career game-winning goal by finishing off a penalty corner at 14:14 on assists from Lyndsay Erickson and Eleanor Morgan.
"Corner opportunities are always a team effort, and I'm always grateful to be a part of that," said Sturdevan about her game-winner. "Scoring in this game was especially gratifying. I remember being disappointed last year when we played them, so the outcome this year was especially satisfying."
"Northwestern is a very strong team, so this was obviously a good win and a confidence booster," added Stanford head coach Lesley Irvine.
"We played outstanding defense and Ana Kralovec was phenomenal in goal."
Kralovec, who shared six shutouts in her freshman season of 2002, picked up her first career solo shutout by equaling a career-high with 10 saves.
Stanford and Kralovec (3-3) both recorded their second consecutive victory. Kralovec has combined for 19 saves in the back-to-back wins. Sturdevan is now tied for the team lead in both goals (3) and points (6).
Northwestern managed to outshoot Stanford, 19-12, but could not get a shot by Kralovec.
"The shutout was great for me individually," said Kralovec. "But more importantly, the shutout was the result of a fantastic effort by our entire team."
Candace Cooper attempted a game-high 10 of Northwestern's shots, while Liz Robinson attempted a team-high four for the Cardinal.Northwestern held a 9-5 advantage in penalty corners.
Stanford will next travel to Iowa this Friday, September 10 (3 pm, CT) before playing Central Michigan in a neutral site game in Iowa City, IA (Saturday, September 11, 12 pm, CT).