April 15, 2011
Eugene, Ore. - No. 7 Stanford took control of the MPSF, clinching the No.1 seed in the conference tournament with a solid 18-13 defeat of Oregon. The win for Stanford (13-1, 5-0 MPSF) leaves the Cardinal as the only undefeated team remaining in the conference, clinching at least a share of the regular season title.
"I am really happy with offensive production against a tough MPSF opponent on the road," said head coach Amy Bokker. "We came out really strong in the second half and finished some great opportunities."
Leslie Foard led the Cardinal on Friday as the senior had five goals and an assist, converting all five of her free-position shots. Foard also contributed three draw controls and caused four turnovers.
Stanford fell behind early on as Oregon came out energized and built a 3-1 lead. The Cardinal fought back and took the lead for good with 7:01 remaining in the first half as Jacqueline Candelaria found the back of the net for the second time. The goal gave Stanford a 5-4 lead, which it would build to 7-5 at haltime.
Foard had a first half hat trick, while Candelaria and Sarah Flynn each had a pair of first-half goals. The Cardinal outshot the Ducks 18-12 in the half, while Annie Read made seven of her nine saves in the period.
Stanford came out in the second half to put the game away early. Karen Nesbitt scored three-straight goals in less than five minutes to make it 10-5. Rachel Ozer then got on the board and Foard added her fourth goal to build a comfortable 12-5 lead.
The Cardinal continued to find the net as it cruised to a comfortable 18-13 victory. Nesbitt scored a fourth goal, while Candelaria and Flynn finished off a hat trick apiece. Flynn pushed her goal total to 41 on the season and 137 for her career. She is now just six shy of the Stanford all-time record.
The Cardinal will close the MPSF season on Wednesday, April 20, when it travels to UC Davis. Stanford has clinched a share of the regular season crown, but will look to complete an undefeated conference season against the Aggies.