STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford field hockey dropped a competitive bout to Albany, 2-1, on Friday afternoon at Alumni Turf. Stanford drops to 3-4 this season, and 2-2 in America East play, while Albany improves to 5-7 (2-1 America East).
Lynn Vanderstichele scored for the Cardinal, her fourth goal of the season. The afternoon was an active one for the Stanford defense, which tallied four defensive saves, one each from Liz Heckard, Megan Frost, Caroline Guden and Cara Sambeth.
"Tough loss today for us. We were inconsistent with executing our game plan for the first half," said head coach Roz Ellis. "I was happy with our ability to battle back and take it to the last second. It's a growing moment for us, I'm grateful this team is willing to have the conversation of what is needed moving forward."
Stanford outshot the Great Danes by a 5-4 margin in the opening period, but the teams went to the half level at 0-0. All four of the Cardinal's defensive saves came in the first quarter, which included defending three penalty corners.
Albany struck first in the 36th minute after a goal from a penalty stroke, and added a second five minutes later when a tip in front made it across the line.
Vanderstichele pulled one back with 4:40 remaining, firing a reverse shot rocket into the bottom corner. Heckard entered the pass to Vanderstichele, who turned and scored for her fourth goal of the campaign. It was her second straight game with a goal.
Stanford remains on the East Coast for a Sunday morning battle with Monmouth. The contest gets underway at 8 a.m PT.