BERKELEY, Calif. – No. 13 Stanford scored three goals in the final five minutes of the game to defeat California, 9-7, Saturday, at California Memorial Stadium.
The Cardinal (9-0, 7-0 Pac-12) completed the regular season unblemished and is off to its best start in program history. Cal dropped to 2-15 overall and 0-10 in the conference.
Stanford had eight different goal scorers in the game, led by fifth-year senior Mikaela Watson's two. Senior Ali Baiocco had a team-high three points with a goal and a pair of assists.
Stanford led 4-3 at halftime, but fell behind early in the second half as the Bears scored twice in the first seven minutes of play. The Cardinal answered with goals by Anna Griffith and Katy Gilbert to go up 6-5.
Cal tied it up at 6-6 with 4:49 remaining in the game, but Stanford reeled off three straight by Jacie Lemos, Watson and Katherine Gjertsen to seal the win.
Daniella McMahon and Galen Lew each scored in the first half for Stanford. Sixth-year Genesis Lucero registered seven draw controls and had three caused turnovers for the Cardinal. Kyra Pelton collected four draw controls and two ground balls
Sophomore Kara Rahaim improved to 5-0 in goal, tallying seven saves and a team-high five ground balls.
Stanford has clinched the No. 1 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament, which it will host at Stanford Stadium, May 5-8. The Cardinal will have a bye into the semifinals on May 6.
