STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal opened up Pac-12 play with a comprehensive 20-8 victory over bay area rival, California. Stanford improves to 2-4 on the season while California drops to 0-6.
Stanford brought the energy early, firing in five goals in the opening period while only allowing three from the Golden Bears. Two goals apiece from Stanford's point-leaders on the team, Ashley Humphrey and Annabel Frist led the way while Jay Browne notched the fifth goal of the game late in the quarter.
From there, the Cardinal continued to apply pressure, rattling off four straight goals to start the second quarter from four different scorers. Stanford tallied eight total goals in the second quarter to California's two.
Stanford used a balanced attack throughout the entirety of the game, with eight different scorers finding the back of the net. Annabel Frist and Ailish Kelly led the way with four each while Ashley Humphrey and Katy Gilbert each recorded a hat trick of their own.
The Cardinal didn't slow down following the half time break. From the end of the first half into the third quarter, the Cardinal recorded six unanswered goals. Stanford nearly held the Golden Bears scoreless in the third period, allowing only one goal on a last-second shot as time expired.
Stanford's offense was flying from the first whistle, with the Cardinal tallying 39 shots during the match, despite falling behind in the draw control battle. Stanford claimed 13 draw controls to California's 17.
In the fourth quarter, three more Cardinal found the back of the net, including Kelsey Myers who notched her first goal of the season.
Stanford's defense was a big factor in solidifying the victory, as Kara Rahaim recorded five saves on the day and a 38.5% save percentage. The Cardinal were constantly pressuring California and were rewarded with 13 turnovers by the Golden Bears. Seven different Stanford players caused a turnover as Maggie Bellaschi led the way with two.
The offense flowed through Jay Browne and Ashley Humphrey from start to finish. Both attack players dished four assists in the game. Ali Baiocco, Caitlin Chicoski, Annabel Frist, and Sarah Jaques each tallied an assist as well.
Stanford will be back in action against another California rival as the team heads to face UC Davis on Sunday.