STANFORD, Calif. – A phenomenal team effort led the 18th-ranked Cardinal to a 3-0 win over conference rival and the top-scoring team in the nation, Pacific Sunday afternoon at Varsity Turf. The Cardinal win streak moves to six as it snaps Pacific's nine game streak as well as shutting out the Tigers for the first time this season.
The first half saw the Cardinal (7-4, 3-0 AE) come out to control the tempo of the game by dominating possession. The Cardinal attack put up six shots to Pacific's four, with leading scorer, Jessica Welch striking first in the ninth minute of action with a move to the top of the circle before cranking a shot that went top shelf on Pacific's Laura Pujade to make it 1-0 headed into the half.
On the game, head coach Tara Danielson commented, "I'm well pleased with this group today. There was a total team commitment to sticking to the game plan. I'm proud of our team's effort to work for each other and finish the play."
The second half saw the Tigers (9-4, 0-1 AE) start pushing more, but the Stanford defense was steadfast in protecting the Cardinal goal as it allowed only six shots and zero goals to the top-scoring team in the NCAA. The offense also clicked into high gear, utilizing possession and putting shots on target to put the Tigers back on their heels.
Lucy Dikeou struck in the 41st minute of play for her first career goal as Fran Tew set up a cross that Dikeou laid out for to tip into the goal to make it 2-0. A solid influx of subs kept the Cardinal fresh throughout the half as Marissa Cicione and Kristina Bassi set up Casey Deeds in the 49th minute to put the nail in the coffin and pull the score to its final of 3-0.
The Cardinal will return to action next Sunday as the rematch is set to face Pacific in conference action. Stanford will travel to face the Tigers at 2 p.m. in Stockton, Calif.
