STANFORD, Calif. - No. 21 Stanford returns to the Golden State for a rivalry matchup at Cal in Berkeley on Friday at 4 p.m. on Pac-12 Networks.
The Cardinal (8-4, 1-0 America East), is coming off its first loss in over a month Sunday at No. 10 Iowa. Earlier in the weekend, the Cardinal defeated No. 6 Michigan to extend its winning streak to eight games, the program's longest since 2014. Nina Randolph, Phoebe Crosthwaite, Corinne Zanolli and Emma Christus all scored in the Cardinal's 4-2 victory over the Wolverines.
Cal (3-8, 0-1 America East) has lost five straight heading into Friday's contest, including a 2-1 defeat at Pacific in the Bears' America East conference opener. The Bears are led by Megan Rodgers, who was 10 goals and three assists.
Stanford has held a commanding edge in the series, winning nine of the last 11 matchups against California spanning the last five seasons. The Cardinal is 20-6 against the Golden Bears over the last 10 years.
Stanford has enjoyed a balanced offensive attack throughout the season, led by Zanolli, who is tied for third in the nation with 16 goals, including three game-winners, along with six assists. Earlier this season, Zanolli had 10 goals in a three-game span, earning her conference and national offensive player of the week honors.
15 last year. 16 already this year. No big deal. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/QlwJet6a6e
— Stanford Field Hockey (@StanfordFH) October 10, 2018
On defense, the Cardinal is led by junior goalkeeper Kelsey Bing, who has 63 saves and a 1.32 goals per game allowed average. Bing recorded 10 saves in Saturday's win against No. 6 Michigan, as Stanford defeated its highest-ranked opponent since Aug. 30, 2015, when the Cardinal knocked off No. 5 Duke 3-2 in overtime at the Varsity Turf.
Bing and Zanolli have each been named America East Player of the Week twice on defense and offense, respectively.
The Cardinal is no stranger to success under head coach Tara Danielson. Stanford is 137-63 overall under Danielson and 60-13 on the Varsity Turf, all with remarkable consistency. The Cardinal has won at least 13 games in each of the eight seasons under Danielson's leadership.
Stanford looks to start another winning streak against rival Cal Friday at 4 p.m. in Berkeley. The game will be televised on Pac-12 Networks, with Troy Clardy '97 on the call.