SAN JOSE - No. 2 Stanford cruised to a 16-5 victory over No. 21 San Jose State on Friday in the opening round of the MPSF Championship.
Led by Ryann Neushul's career-high five goals on six shots, Stanford (19-1, 5-1 MPSF) opened its MPSF title defense with a victory that featured contributions across the board.
Attempting to repeat as MPSF champions for the second time in school history (2000-01) and capture its seventh conference title overall, the Cardinal also received a hat trick from Jewel Roemer for the second consecutive game.
Aria Fischer (two goals, three assists) and Jenna Flynn (two goals, two assists) also paced the offensive attack for Stanford, which defeated San Jose State (12-19, 0-6 MPSF) for the third time this season.
The Cardinal put the game out of reach early, leading 5-0 after the first period and 7-2 at halftime.
Neushul scored two of her five goals in the third period, in which Stanford outscored San Jose State 6-0.
Stanford's defense has been stingy, holding its opponent scoreless for at least an eight-minute stretch in 11 of its 20 games this season.
Maya Avital played the first three quarters in goal, making six saves. Jackie King covered the final eight minutes while making two saves.
Stanford will play the winner of UCLA/Arizona State in Saturday's semifinal at 12:45 p.m.
Stanford Goals: Ryann Neushul (5), Jewel Roemer (3), Aria Fischer (2), Jenna Flynn (2), Lexi Rowell (1), Sophie Wallace (1), Celeste Wijnbelt (1), Talie Wilmans (1).