Feb. 25, 2007
Stanford had another close match with No. 3 USC, but held on for a 10-8 victory to advance to the Irvine Tournament Championship game. This was Stanford's third matchup already with USC this year, losing 8-6 in the Stanford Invite, and later beating the Trojans 10-8 in overtime during MPSF conference play. Stanford was led by sophomore Jessica Steffens, who tallied four goals in the match. Meridith McColl also had her best game of the season, blocking away 14 Trojan shots to preserve the win.
Stanford was able to take the lead early on, outscoring the Trojans 3-2 in the first quarter. USC was able to tie the score at halftime by outscoring the Cardinal by the same score, and the teams entered halftime tied with five goals apiece. Stanford took a slim lead after three quarters and held a 8-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter. McColl continued her strong play in the fourth quarter, tallying five saves, as Stanford won the period 2-1 and sealed the 10-8 victory.
Lauren Silver and Alison Gregorka also chipped in two goals apiece, and Kira Hillman and Katie Hansen were also able to find the net. USC was led by Erica Figge and Brittany Hayes, as they each were able to score two goals each.
Stanford now advances to the Irvine Tournament championship game and faces No. 1 UCLA at 5:15 PM at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, California. USC now faces California in the 3rd place game, which is set to being at 4:00 PM.
Irvine Tourney Semifinal
Stanford 10, USC 8
Stanford: 3-2-3-2=10
USC: 2-3-2-1=8
Stanford Goals: Jessica Steffens 4, Lauren Silver 2, Alison Gregorka 2, Kira Hillman 1, Katie Hansen 1
USC Goals: Erica Figge 2, Brittany Hayes 2, Kami Craig 1, Miranda Nichols 1, Forel Davies 1, Michelle Stein 1Saves:
Stanford: Meridith McColl 14
USC: Whitney Morgan 4