DENVER – Senior Kelsey Murray scored three times and senior Allie DaCar made 12 saves, but No. 23 Stanford women's lacrosse dropped its season opener, 12-9, at Denver on Sunday.
Murray extended her point streak to 56 games and moved into second place on Stanford's all-time career scoring list, but ultimately, the Cardinal was stymied by Pioneers goalkeeper Carson Gregg, who made 16 saves. After a back-and-forth opening half that ended in a 7-7 stalemate, Stanford scored just twice in the second half and did not get one past Gregg over the final 18:50.
After an early goal from the hosts, Stanford (0-1) scored three straight for a 3-1 advantage. Senior Maggie Nick opened the scoring for the Cardinal and then assisted Dillon Schoen on the go-ahead goal.
Murray extended her point streak with her first goal of the season and Stanford's fourth. It also matched Megan Burker (2003-06) for second-most in program history. Murray's hat trick leaves her with 145 career goals -- just one away from surpassing the school record held by Sarah Flynn (2008-11).
Point streak = 56.
— Stanford W Lacrosse (@StanfordWLax) February 11, 2018
Murray's first point and goal of the season also ties Megan Burker (2003-06) for 2nd on Stanford's all-time scoring list with her 143rd career goal #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/lguql7DBev
The Cardinal led 4-2 before the Pioneers scored twice. But Taylor Scornavacco and Areta Buness scored back-to-back goals in a 31-second span to give Stanford a 6-4 edge at the 8:22 mark.
The seesaw half continued as Denver tallied the next three to regain the lead. But Murray blazed one into the back of the net with 21 seconds remaining to even the score at 7-7 heading into halftime.
Denver (1-0) scored the first two of the second half, but Murray answered again to make it 9-8 with 21:40 to play.
When Daniella McMahon assisted Kelly Myers on the man advantage, Stanford trailed just 10-9 with 18:50 to go. However, the Cardinal could not get in the scoring column the rest of the way.
Stanford held a 19-4 advantage on draw controls, led by seven from McMahon, while Denver had a 17-8 edge in ground balls.
This game was originally scheduled for Saturday, but a Colorado snow storm postponed the season opener until Sunday.
Next up, Stanford opens its home slate against No. 2 Stony Brook on Monday, Feb. 19. The President's Day matinee begins at 4 p.m. The Cardinal is also hosting the Presidential Clinic prior to the game -- more details are here.
#GoStanford