April 14, 2007
No. 1 Stanford took over first place in the MPSF rankings with a 7-6 victory over No. 2 UCLA at the Avery Aquatics Center today. Stanford took an early lead, but let the Bruins tie and force overtime by giving up three goals in the fourth quarter. The Cardinal was able to overcome giving up the lead, and won the match when Lauren Silver scored a goal on a penalty shot with 1:33 left in the game. This victory pushed Stanford's record to 20-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in MPSF play.
Christina Hewko wasted no time in the first period when she scored a goal 24 seconds into the match on a fine long distance shot. Stanford was called for three ejections in a two minute span after Hewko's goal, but was able to keep the Bruins at bay and preserve the 1-0 lead. Katie Hansen then padded the lead with a goal four minutes into the match, and Stanford held a 2-0 lead. UCLA driver Jillian Kraus got the Bruins on the board with a goal at the 2:51 mark, but it was short-lived as Hewko scored her second goal of the match 19 seconds later and Stanford held a 3-1 lead at the end of one quarter.
The physical play really picked up in the second quarter as both teams had trouble on offense. UCLA driver Courtney Mathewson scored early in the period to cut the lead to 3-2, but Alison Gregorka scored a beautiful back handed goal with one minute before halftime and helped the Cardinal maintain a 4-2 lead.
The third quarter provided the large Avery Aquatics Center crowd with great defense and great goalkeeping. Bruin junior Gabrielle Domanic scored less than two minutes into the period, but once again the Cardinal responded with a goal, this time by Jessica Steffens with 2:43 remaining in the period. There was no more scoring in the quarter, and Stanford maintained a two goal lead at 5-3.
Stanford's defense started to falter in the fourth quarter as Bruin forward Brittany Rowe scored two quick goals on back to back possessions and the Stanford lead was now gone and the game was tied at 5-5. Christina Hewko scored her third goal of the match with three and a half minutes remaining in the game, but the lead was short lived as Mathewson scored her second goal for the Bruins to force overtime with the game tied at six.
After a scoreless first period of overtime, it looked as if this match was going to head to a sudden death period. Late in the second overtime though, Jessica Steffens drew a penalty shot that was later converted by Lauren Silver to give the Cardinal a 7-6 lead with 1:33 left in the game. Stanford tightened up the defense for one more stop and eventually defeated the Bruins by that same score. UCLA came into this match on a 10 game winning streak but their record fell to 20-2 on the season, with both losses coming to Stanford. The Bruins are now 9-1 in MPSF play and Stanford is 9-0.
Meridith McColl and Bruin goalie Emily Feher provided the crowd with some great saves and stellar play in the net. McColl had 11 saves for Stanford, including five in a very busy second period. Feher had nine saves on the day and was really impressive in goal. In the game, both teams were unable to convert on a six on five opportunities and take control of the game. UCLA was 0/6 in six on five chances and Stanford was 0/5. Both teams had lots of great shots on goal during these advantages, but were unable to solve McColl and Feher for most of the day.
Stanford returns to the pool tomorrow for a 1:00 PM match against No. 12 ranked UCSB Gauchos. The game will take place at the Avery Aquatics Center and will be the 2nd to last home game for the Cardinal.
Stanford Women's Water Polo Results:
April 14, 2007
Avery Aquatics Center
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Stanford 7, UCLA 6 OT
Stanford 3-1-1-1-0-1-- 7
UCLA 1-1-1-3-0-0-- 6
Scoring:
Stanford - Christina Hewko (3), Jessica Steffens (1), Lauren Silver (1), Katie Hansen (1), Alison Gregorka (1)
UCLA - Brittany Rowe (2), Courtney Mathewson (2), Jillian Kraus (1), Gabrielle Domanic (1)
Saves:Stanford - Meredith McColl, STAN (11 saves, 6 GA)
UCLA - Emily Feher (9)
Records- Stanford 20-1, 9-0 MPSF UCLA: 20-2, 9-1 MPSF