April 9, 2004
STANFORD, Calif. - Led my freshmen Katie Hansen and Christina Hewko with two goals each, the No. 2-ranked Stanford women's water polo team downed No. 8 California 9-5 at Avery Aquatics Center on Friday. The win improves the Cardinal's record to 15-3 overall and 7-1 in MPSF action.
The Golden Bears opened the match with two quick scores to take an early lead. Sophomore driver Scotti Shafer was able to tally the first Stanford goal from five meters out, but the Cardinal closed the first period trailing 2-1.
The Cardinal came out big before halftime, taking a 5-2 lead after scoring four goals in the second period, including two from Hansen who closed the half with a steal and fast break for the Stanford point. Hansen has notched 17 goals this season.
The third period was physical with seven combined ejections from Stanford and Cal. The Golden Bears notched two scores, highlighted by a nine-meter bomb from from Brittani Llorente at the 0:44 mark.
Stanford goalie Meridith McColl recorded eight saves, while California's Lauren Dennis tallied 10 stops.
Stanford remains on the Farm on Saturday, April 10, as the Cardinal take on Pacific at Noon at Avery Stadium in its final home match of the season.
Score by Periods 1234F Stanford14319 California20215
Stanford Scorers: Hansen 2, Hewko 2, El-Sakkary 1, Gregorka 1, K. Luber 1, Riss 1, Shafer 1
Cal Scorers: Gold 2, Card 1, Llorente 1, Needles 1
Goalie Saves: McColl (STAN) 8; Dennis (CAL) 10