SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Stanford fell to no. 3 Syracuse by a score of 12-9 in the first action of the season. The Cardinal started hot, jumping out to a two goal lead early in the first quarter, but were unable to stop Syracuse's offensive power.
Following early goals from Caitlin Chicoski and Sarah Jaques, the offensive output came primarily from two players.
Stanford maintained a two goal advantage into the second quarter thanks to goals from both Ailish Kelly and Annabel Frist. The pair were the joint-scoring leaders on the team, each recording a hat trick.
This marked Frist started her Cardinal career in style, scoring three goals on just four shots.
Syracuse fought to keep the game close, never going down by more than two goals, however. At the halftime break, the score was all even at six goals apiece.
In most categories, the game was very tight, including shots where Syracuse held a slim 28-24 advantage. The Cardinal held the advantage in assists, recording eight during the game to Syracuse's five. Stanford also had two more clears than Syracuse, totaling 19 on the day to Syracuse's 17.
Stanford played terrific defense throughout the contest, slowing down one of the most potent attacks in the NCAA. Kara Rahaim was a force in the goal, consistently turning away Syracuse threats on the way to recording 12 saves.
The third quarter was much less of an offensive output than the first two, with both teams' defenses finding success. Syracuse scored the only two goals in the period to take the lead 8-6.
In the fourth quarter, Syracuse built on their lead, reaching a mark of 7-12 before Stanford answered, courtesy of goals from Frist and Jay Browne. But the Cardinal were unable to make the comeback, finishing with nine goals to Syracuse's 12.
Stanford will have the opportunity to bounce back from the season opening loss against Albany on Sunday at 10 a.m. PT.