STORRS, Conn. – Despite a career-best 10 saves by Kelsey Bing, No. 13 Stanford was unable to hold No. 4 UConn at bay as the Cardinal fell 2-0 to open the season Friday afternoon at the Sherman Complex.
The Huskies (1-0) set the tone early on in the game, putting 12 shots on the Cardinal defense in the first half to Stanford's (0-1) three. UConn was able to put a shot past the Stanford defense in the half, but the attempt was ruled dangerous and the goal reversed. Bing proved to be the lynchpin in the half as she posted seven of her 10 saves to keep the Huskies off the board.
On offense, Kristina Bassi led the way for Stanford with three of the Cardinal's four shots, though the Husky offensive assault continued in the second half with 10 more UConn shots. The Huskies also retained control throughout the game, securing 11 penalty corners.
UConn was finally able to break the stalemate in the 47th minute as Casey Umstead was awarded a penalty stroke that she converted to make it 1-0. Another penalty corner set up the second Husky goal in the 58th minute as the initial shot was blocked only to have the rebound find Margot Colenbrander, who added the insurance goal.
The Cardinal returns to action Saturday as it sets to take on No. 14 Northwestern. The game is set for 10 a.m. PT and will be played at UConn's Sherman Complex.