IRVINE, Calif. - No. 4 Stanford cruised to a 20-6 victory over No. 21 San Diego State on Friday afternoon in the opening round of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational.
Returning to the pool following a 19-day layoff, Stanford (8-1, 0-0 MPSF) built a commanding 12-2 halftime lead, finished with a 58.8 shooting percentage and its sturdy defense did the rest.
Christina Hicks and Ryann Neushul led the way with four goals apiece on four shots while Aria Fischer and Makenzie Fischer both finished with three, as nine Cardinal players scored at least one goal.
Friday's contest closely resembled Stanford's most recent game back on Feb. 6, a 19-4 rout of San Diego State to close out the Stanford Invitational, where the Cardinal finished 3-1.
Makenzie Fischer scored back-to-back goals midway through the first period as Stanford led 6-1 after the first eight minutes. The Cardinal added six more goals in the second period, reaching the double-digit mark after Lexi Rowell scored to make it 10-1 with 4:37 left before halftime.
Leading 14-4 through three periods, Sophia Sanders, Sam Sternfels and Lauren Indart broke through with goals to close out regulation.
Maya Avital made six saves in the first half before Megan Peterson finished with four saves over the final two periods.
Stanford next faces host UC Irvine on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Stanford Goals: Christina Hicks (4), Ryann Neushul (4), Aria Fischer (3), Makenzie Fischer (3), Sophia Sanders (2), Eleanor Facey (1), Lauren Indart (1), Lexi Rowell (1), Sam Sternfels (1).