STANFORD, Calif. – Ali Baiocco and Katherine Gjertsen scored five goals apiece to lead No. 13 Stanford to a dominating 17-10 victory over Colorado in the Pac-12 Tournament championship, Saturday, at Stanford Stadium.
Stanford (11-0) captured its second Pac-12 Tournament title in three seasons, and its 18th conference tournament championship overall. With the win, the Cardinal secured the Pac-12's automatic berth into the NCAA Championship.
Sixth-year senior Genesis Lucero set the tone early, helping the Cardinal to a 13-2 advantage in draw controls in the first half. Lucero, who is the Stanford career leader in draw controls, broke the program's single season record on Saturday and now has 109 in 2021.
Baiocco with a hat trick in the first half! Card up 8-2 with 8:57 remaining.
— Stanford Lacrosse (@StanfordWLax) May 8, 2021
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Stanford led 10-4 at halftime and outshot the Buffaloes 17-11. Sophomore goalkeeper Kara Rahaim registered a career-high 13 saves, including eight in the second half to hold off Colorado. Rahaim improved to 7-0 on the season.
Fifth-year Mikaela Watson and freshman Ailish Kelly each scored a pair of goals for Stanford, while Anna Griffith, Galen Lew and Daniella McMahon each had one.
Okaaay Galen ??
— Stanford Lacrosse (@StanfordWLax) May 8, 2021
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The Cardinal shared the ball well as Kelly had four assists and Lew tallied three. Baiocco, Watson, Katy Gilbert, Jacie Lemos and Gabby Noto registered one each.
Baiocco was named the tournament's MVP and was joined on the all-tournament team by Lucero, Rahaim and Watson.
Stanford's 11-0 record is its best start to a season in program history. The Cardinal is one of just three undefeated teams in the nation, joining No. 1 North Carolina and No. 2 Northwestern.
Stanford will make its 10th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its ninth in the past 11 seasons. The NCAA selection show is slated for Sunday at 6 p.m. PT on ESPNU.
All-Tournament Team
| Name | School |
|---|---|
| Carly Adams | Arizona State |
| Ali Baiocco (MVP) | Stanford |
| Devon Bayer | Colorado |
| Berkeley Bonneau | Arizona State |
| LizaBanks Campagna | California |
| Sadie Grozier | Colorado |
| Julia Lisella | Colorado |
| Genesis Lucero | Stanford |
| Kara Rahaim | Stanford |
| Lizzie Wagner | USC |
| Madison Waters | USC |
| Mikaela Watson | Stanford |