STORRS, Conn. – No. 8 Stanford’s record-breaking season came to a close Sunday when it dropped a 3-1 decision at No. 3 Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament Second Round.
The Cardinal (19-3) produced the best season in program history, including winning its first NCAA Tournament game and setting program records in victories (19), winning-streak (12 games) and national ranking (No. 3). Stanford went 4-1 against the top 10 and 6-2 against the top 20.
The Cardinal’s defense was terrific all year and ranked first in goals-against average and save percentage for nearly every week during the season. Stanford limited opponents to one goal or less in 20 of 22 games.
Stanford’s senior class leaves the team as the most accomplished group in program history, accumulating a 68-19 record during their four years.
A terrific job all year by the Cardinal. Elevated the program to new heights. #gostanford #morethanateam #findaway pic.twitter.com/Qeec4dM513
— Stanford FieldHockey (@StanfordFH) November 16, 2014
The Cardinal had its opportunities in Sunday’s game against Connecticut (18-3) but could not find the final touches needed to level the score. It was only the second time Stanford allowed two or more goals and the first time permitting three scores this season.
Stanford found itself in a hole early when Connecticut’s Casey Umstead got the Huskies on the board 80 seconds into the game. She received a pass from Olivia Bolles in transition and snuck a shot past Dulcie Davies in goal for the Cardinal.
Davies played well, making multiple diving and sprawling saves, and was a major factor in keeping the Cardinal within striking distance. She finished the game with six stops, five of which came in the first half.
Stanford settled in nicely after the goal and did well to maintain possession and generate pressure in Connecticut’s zone.
The Huskies extended their lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute when it rallied for three consecutive penalty corners, converting on its third opportunity.
Stanford came out quick in the second half and almost cut the Huskies’ lead to 2-1 in the 36th minute on a penalty corner opportunity. After a series of passes between Kelsey Harbin and Jessica Chisholm at the top of the circle, Harbin sent a cross-cage pass that found its way into the back of the net but hit a Stanford foot on the way to negate the score.
The game opened up in the second half with both teams generating scoring opportunities. Connecticut extended its lead to 3-0 at 60:05 when Charlotte Veitner tipped in a pass from Roisin Upton on a penalty corner.
Stanford continued to battle and earned a penalty stroke a minute later. Harbin converted the opportunity to cut the lead to 3-1, her third goal on the season.
The Cardinal almost cut the lead to 3-2 with six minutes remaining when Katie Keyser made a run down the middle of the field and slid a pass to Alex McCawley on the right post that she nearly got her stick on to tip into an empty net.
Stanford continued to pressure but could not find the shots needed to close the gap.
The future is bright for the Stanford program with 17 letterwinners returning next season, including a talented junior class and strong core of underclassmen.
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Notes: Stanford set multiple program records in 2014, including: first NCAA Tournament victory, 19 wins and a 12-game winning streak … The Cardinal went 4-1 against top-10 opponents and 6-2 against the top 20 … Stanford’s senior class concludes its career with a 68-19 record – the best in program history … Connecticut was the second team to score two or more goals against the Cardinal and the first to score three … Stanford limited opponents to one goal or less in 20 of 22 games … Sunday’s game was the first time this year Stanford lost when scoring a goal – it finished the season 19-1 when scoring … Stanford finished the season holding advantages over opponents in shots (286-143), penalty corners (114-71) and goals (54-18).