STANFORD, Calif. - No. 2 Stanford closed the opening day of the Stanford Invitational with a pair of dominant wins, bouncing back from a 10-9 defeat to No. 4 California in sudden victory overtime.
Fresh off four wins at last weekend's Michigan Invitational, Stanford (6-1) was unable to convert some timely chances in its 10-9 loss to California, snapping an eight-game winning streak over the Golden Bears that dated back to 2018.
The Cardinal rebounded emphatically with a 16-5 win over No. 9 Arizona State later in the afternoon, before breezing past Fresno Pacific 20-2 one hour later in the nightcap.
Stanford returns to action on Sunday, hosting No. 18 San Diego State at 9 a.m. to close out tournament play.
No. 4 California 10, No. 2 Stanford 9 (sudden victory OT)
Despite Makenzie Fischer scoring four goals off a game-high 12 shots, Stanford was unable to separate or capitalize on an overtime lead.
The Cardinal enjoyed its largest lead of two goals twice in the first half, leading 4-2 after Makenzie Fischer's third goal and again at 5-3 following Jewel Roemer's power-play score right before halftime.
California moved in front 6-5 with 4:07 left in the third period, representing the first time Stanford had trailed this season.
Tied 7-7 after regulation, Aria Fischer scored twice in one minute, with her second goal giving the Cardinal a 9-8 advantage in the second overtime period.
However, California found the equalizer with 19 seconds left and eventually secured the upset when Jessie Rose tapped home a loose ball with 1:55 remaining in the sudden victory session.
Makenzie Fischer, Hannah Constandse and Ryann Neushul all finished with two assists.
Maya Avital kept the Cardinal within striking distance and turned away several Golden Bear opportunities, making 16 saves while playing all 41 minutes in the loss.
Stanford Goals: Makenzie Fischer (4), Aria Fischer (2), Chloe Harbilas (1), Jewel Roemer (1), Ryann Neushul (1).
No. 2 Stanford 16, No. 9 Arizona State 5
Ryann Neushul and Jewel Roemer combined for seven goals while Makenzie Fischer dished out four assists as Stanford rebounded for a 16-5 win over Arizona State.
Neushul finished with four goals, three assists and a game-high six shots while Roemer added three goals, three assists and four attempts.
Nine different players found the net, as Stanford held a 33-25 shot edge and converted five of its nine power plays.
The Cardinal produced five goals in each of the first three periods while Maya Avital secured the win in goal after making nine saves.
Stanford Goals: Ryann Neushul (4), Jewel Roemer (3), Aria Fischer (2), Makenzie Fischer (2), Lexi Rowell (1), Katie Lyons (1), Chloe Harbilas (1), Sophie Wallace (1), Christina Hicks (1).
No. 2 Stanford 20, Fresno Pacific 2
Stanford capped the evening with a 20-2 rout of Fresno Pacific, receiving three goals apiece from Christina Hicks, Sophia Sanders and Sam Sternfels.
Nine different players scored found the net, with Alissa Pascual and Talie Wilmans joining Sanders and Sternfels as first-time career goal scorers.
Pascual dished out four assists and fired off a game-high six shots while Sternfels and Wilmans both had three assists.
Stanford led 14-1 at halftime attempted 32 shots overall, translating into a 62.5 percent scoring clip for the game.
Megan Peterson received the start and played the entire game in goal, finishing with six saves.
Stanford Goals: Christina Hicks (3), Sophia Sanders (3), Sam Sternfels (3), Floranne Carroll (2), Eleanor Facey (2), Lauren Indart (2), Alissa Pascual (2), Talie Wilmans (2), Hannah Constandse (1).