Sept. 25, 2005
Stockton, Calif. - Stanford (3-8) knocked off Pacific (4-6) by a score of 2-1 in a non-conference contest between the two NorPac rivals at Brookside Field on Sunday. Stanford scored both of its goals midway through the first half and held off the Tigers' second half comeback attempt. The win was the second in the last three games for the Cardinal overall and snapped a four-game losing skid against Pacific dating back to September 27, 2003.
"This was a huge win in a rivalry that has intensified in the past few years," said Stanford head coach Lesley Irvine, "It was nice to go to their home field and beat a really good team."
Missy Halliday got the Cardinal on the scoreboard when she finished off a penalty corner at 18:53 as Aska Sturdevan was credited with an assist. Caroline Hussey, who was named the NorPac's Co-Rookie of the Week on September 20, scored what proved to be the game-winner on an unassisted goal at 22:36.
"We played a great first half with a lot of offense," offered Irvine. "Caroline had another big goal and continues to have a huge on our team in her rookie season."
Pacific's Melissa Purcell cut the margin in half with an unassisted tally at 54:29 but the Cardinal defensive didn't allow another score despite nine second half shots by the Tigers.
"Pacific put a tremendous amount of pressure on us in the second half, but we did well to withstand it," explained Irvine.
Overall, Pacific held a 13-7 advantage in shots, while the Cardinal had a 7-5 penalty corner margin.
Stanford goalkeeper Sarah Scheller earned her first collegiate victory in the contest, recording three saves.
"It was nice for Sarah to get a win and take advantage of the opportunity she was given," commented Irvine.
Pacific's Valerie Niles took the loss in net for the Tigers with just a single save.
Stanford ended a series of six straight road games with the victory and will return home for a rematch versus Pacific in a key NorPac contest next Saturday, October 1 (1:00 pm, PT). The Cardinal is 1-1 in conference action, while Pacific is tied for first with a 2-0 NorPac mark.
"Today's victory was a great confidence booster," said Irvine. "We're excited for next week's rematch."