2017: Season in Review

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford wrapped up the 2017 campaign at 13-8 overall, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year before falling in the first round to Miami (Ohio). The Cardinal captured its second straight conference championship, defeating New Hampshire 4-1 in the America East final.

A top-20 fixture the entire season, Stanford suffered back-to-back losses against No. 4 Connecticut and No. 14 Northwestern in its first two games. The Cardinal rebounded with a seven-match winning streak, with four of those victories coming against ranked opponents.

Stanford proceeded to lose five of its next six contests, standing at 8-7 overall and 2-2 in conference play following a 2-1 road loss to Pacific on Oct. 20.

But the Cardinal caught fire again, outscoring opponents 22-6 over the next five games. The cherry on top was a 4-1 rout of New Hampshire in the America East Tournament final, repeating as conference champions and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.

Stanford was slotted into an NCAA Opening Round game and chosen to host a postseason game at Varsity Turf for the first time since 2007. However, the Cardinal fell 2-1 to Miami (Ohio), with the RedHawks scoring the game-winner with just over 90 minutes remaining to advance.
 

Bing Among Nation's Elite GoalkeepersFor the second straight season, sophomore Kelsey Bing continued to solidify her reputation as one of the premier goalkeepers in the country.
 

None shall pass. #BURN #ncaatournament

A post shared by Stanford Field Hockey (@stanfordfieldhockey) on Nov 8, 2017 at 8:21am PST

An NFHCA West Region Second Team selection, Bing started 19 of Stanford's 20 games and ranked sixth nationally with a .794 save percentage while posting a GAA of 1.49. Named the America East Goalkeeper of the Year, Bing was also an All-America East selection and America East All-Championship Team pick. Bing made 112 saves, including a career-high 13 stops against No. 4 Michigan on Oct. 8.

Equally impressive in the classroom, Bing was tabbed an NFHCA National Academic Squad Scholar of Distinction recipient and earned a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad for a second straight season. Boasting a 3.96 cumulative GPA, Bing also earned a spot on the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll and America East All-Academic Team.
 

Zanolli's Breakthrough Rookie SeasonStanford was led offensively by freshman Corinne Zanolli, whose impressive debut season on The Farm resulted in an NFHCA West Region First Team selection.
 

Dancing into the final week of the regular season. #BURN @czanolli98

A post shared by Stanford Field Hockey (@stanfordfieldhockey) on Oct 25, 2017 at 3:38pm PDT

Tabbed the America East Rookie of the Year, Zanolli was also selected as an All-America East selection and America East All-Championship Team pick as she led Cardinal in points (39), goals (14) and shots (82) while ranking second in assists (11). Zanolli, who recorded three multi-goal games while starting 20 of the Cardinal's 21 contests, became the first freshman to lead Stanford in goals since Caroline Hussey tallied a team-high nine scores in 2005.

Zanolli also earned NFHCA National Academic Squad recognition. Sporting a 3.63 cumulative GPA, she also was rewarded with a spot on the America East Commissioner's Honor Roll and America East All-Academic Team.
 

Back-to-Back America East ChampionsStanford quickly built a commanding halftime lead and never looked back in a 4-1 victory over New Hampshire in the America East Tournament final.

Marissa Cicione and Frances Carstens each tallied one goal and one assist while Jessica Welch and Corinne Zanolli added goals of their own.
 

The Cardinal goes back-to-back as @AmericaEast Champions! #BURN pic.twitter.com/1LCU3Fi1Ee

— Stanford FieldHockey (@StanfordFH) November 5, 2017

The Cardinal's efficiency was impressive, considering New Hampshire, which scored its only goal in the final minute of the game on a penalty stroke, held decisive advantages in shots (20-9) and penalty corners (8-2).

Kelsey Bing made five saves over the first 64 minutes before giving way to Maddy Belin, who also contributed five saves.

The Cardinal, which defeated Pacific 1-0 to capture the 2016 America East title, has won six conference championships over the last 10 years.

Sustained Academic Success

Stanford maintained its exceptional academic standing in 2017 with a strong presence on both the America East and NFHCA All-Academic teams.

A total of 17 student-athletes made the America East Conference Honor Roll for attaining a 3.0 GPA. Of those, 11 qualified for the Commissioner's Honor Roll, which requires a GPA better than 3.5. Recipients of the Commissioner's Honor Roll included Kristina Bassi, Maddy Belin, Kelsey Bing, Phoebe Crosthwaite, Julia DiTosto, Sarah Helgeson, Katie Keyser, Kaylie Mings, Millie Stefanowicz, Hailey Szybunka and Corinne Zanolli.
 

Congrats to Kelsey Bing, honored as an NFHCA Division I Scholar of Distinction recipient. Cardinal also recognized with the NFHCA National Academic Team Award: https://t.co/H2vzxqzkXi pic.twitter.com/DNTF4wVquO

— Stanford FieldHockey (@StanfordFH) March 23, 2018

Additionally, Stanford was honored with 12 student-athletes qualifying for the 2017 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad. For the second straight year, the Cardinal was represented with 12 honorees – the most since it placed 18 recipients on the 2012 list.

To be recognized as an Academic Squad member, a student-athlete must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2017-18 academic year.