April 11, 2010
Denver, Colo. - No. 11 Stanford dropped a tough game, 17-12, to Denver on Sunday afternoon at the Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The Pioneers took over the MPSF lead as both teams entered the game undefeated in conference. Stanford was without regular goalkeeper Annie Read, which proved costly as Stanford fell despite outshooting Denver.
The Cardinal is now 8-5 and 2-1 in conference. Denver improved to 10-4 and a perfect 4-0 in conference.
Amanda Schwab gave Stanford an early 1-0 lead on a free position goal. Things quickly changed, however as Denver scored the next six goals and would never trail again.
After Denver built its 6-1 lead, Stanford fought back scoring the last four goals before the half to get back in the game. Sarah Flynn scored three of her four goals in the half and Maggie Sachs added a goal for the Cardinal. Stanford outshot Denver 17-10 in the half, but Pioneer goalkeeper Ashley Harman made 10 saves to none for Stanford.
With the regular goalkeeper Read out of action, Elizabeth Adam was forced into duty despite not being a regular keeper. Adam did not record a save in the first half, but did come back to make five saves in the second period.
"Elizabeth deserves a lot of credit for her courageous effort in this unfortunate situation," said head coach Amy Bokker about Adam's work in the goal.
The Pioneers scored 11 goals in the second half and stretched its lead to as much as eight. Stanford could not match the offensive output as Harman was terrific in goal for Denver. Claire Hubbard added a hat trick in the second half, but it was not enough for Stanford.
The Cardinal will now return home to complete the regular season. Next week Stanford will face Oregon on Friday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. and Saint Mary's on Sunday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. Stanford will get its chance to return to Denver at the end of the season when the Pioneers host the MPSF Championships.