LOS ANGELES - Lockdown defense early and a flurry of goals late was the recipe for success for the No. 2 seed Stanford on Friday, as the Cardinal fought past Fresno State to advance to the semifinals of the NCAA Championships.
No. 2 Stanford 16 - No. 10 Fresno State 9
The Cardinal set the tone early on defense, stifling the Bulldog offense and using a strong effort in the cage from Emalia Eichelberger. After a goal nearly two minutes into the game from Chloe Harbilas, the Cardinal was in several tough situations, down a player on the powerplay, but held strong. Fresno State would eventually draw even at 1-1, but Stanford responded with two quick ones from Jewel Roemer and Katie Lyons for a 3-1 lead after the opening frame.
Stanford had several chances to pile on the goals early but couldn't quite convert, while continuing to lock down the Bulldogs. Roemer started the scoring in the second period for Stanford, firing from distance on the powerplay to make it 5-1. Things looked bleak for the Bulldogs after a 6-1 score following a shot from Lauren Indart, but Fresno State would respond, scoring three of the game's next four goals.
Stanford maintained a 6-2 edge at the break, pushed to 7-2 after a penalty shot goal from Roemer to open the third period. The penalty shot was helpful to the Cardinal, as Klass would net one of her own to break the Fresno State run.
The Bulldogs drew within three, at 8-5, but it was again Klass, dunking one in from right in front of the cage off the feed from Roemer. That would kick start a Stanford run, as the Cardinal went on to score five straight and ice the game. The two sides would trade goals late in the match, but Stanford's advantage was too much.
Hannah Constandse and Roemer each had three assists on the day, while Floranne Carroll added two. Harbilas drew four exclusions for the Cardinal, while freshman Maya Avital played the fourth period in relief, collecting four saves.
The Cardinal advances to play the winner of UCLA and Hawaii tomorrow, May 15 at 5 p.m.
No. 2 Stanford vs. No. 10 Fresno State
May 14, 2021 • Los Angeles, Calif.
FSU 1 – 1 – 3 – 4 = 9
STAN 3 – 3 – 6 – 4 = 16
Fresno State Goals: Emily Nicholson 3, Daphne Guevremont 2, Callie Woodruff 2, Cynthia Rosa 1, Claire Schade 1
Stanford Goals: Sarah Klass 4, Jewel Roemer 4, Lauren Indart 2, Katie Lyons 2, Hannah Constandse 1, Chloe Harbilas 1, Lexi Rowell 1, Madison Stamen 1
Saves: Emalia Eichelberger 13, Maya Avital 4, Hope Stokes 8
