STANFORD, Calif. - No. 1 Stanford held off No. 4 UCLA 18-13 on Saturday afternoon, pulling away with dominant execution in the fourth period on offense and defense.
Returning to Avery Aquatic Center for the first time in five weeks, Stanford (14-0, 2-0 MPSF) outscored UCLA (12-4, 1-1 MPSF) 6-1 over the final eight minutes after entering the quarter tied at 12-12.
Aria Fischer scored a game-high four goals, leading an opportunistic offense that also received hat tricks from Jenna Flynn, Ryann Neushul and Jewel Roemer. Stanford also converted 5-of-13 power plays and three penalty shots.
Fischer now has 196 career goals, ranking seventh on Stanford's all-time scoring list.
Riding its best start since opening 24-0 in 2011, Stanford erased a two-goal deficit late in the third quarter before continuing that momentum into the fourth.
Trailing 12-10 with 2:21 left in the third period, goals from Katie Lyons and Roemer knotted the scored at 12-12 entering the fourth.
Flynn's first goal of the match was timely and gave Stanford a 13-12 lead with 7:34 remaining in the fourth before UCLA answered to make it 13-13.
Over the next four minutes, the Cardinal put the game out of reach as Flynn added two more scores, with Roemer and Ella Woodhead also finding the net.
In addition to their scoring output, Fischer and Roemer were routinely generating scoring chances, combining for seven assists.
Maya Avital was outstanding in goal, finishing with 12 saves. Avital's fourth-quarter performance was especially impressive, consistently denying attempts while setting up several breakaways.
Stanford next visits Arizona State on Sunday, March 26 at 12 p.m. PT
Stanford Goals: Aria Fischer (4), Jenna Flynn (3), Ryann Neushul (3), Jewel Roemer (3), Katie Lyons (2), Skyler Jones (1), Sophie Wallace (1), Ella Woodhead (1).