SAN JOSE - No. 2 Stanford moved in front with a second-period surge and turned up its defensive pressure the rest of the way in an 11-9 victory over No. 3 UCLA on Saturday in the semifinals of the MPSF Championship.
Stanford (20-1, 5-1 MPSF) secured a berth in Sunday's final at 2:30 p.m. against the winner of USC/California with the conference's automatic NCAA bid at stake.
Attempting to repeat as MPSF champions for the second time in school history (2000-01) and capture its seventh conference title overall, the Cardinal received a four-goal, two-assist performance from Jewel Roemer to lead the way. Roemer, who scored three of our goals in the second half, produced a hat trick for the third consecutive game.
Ryann Neushul added three goals on a game-high eight shots while Aria Fischer consistently generated scoring chances with four assists.
Picking up its second win of the season against UCLA (20-6, 4-2 MPSF), Stanford trailed 4-3 after the first period and took its first lead at the 5:55 mark of the second quarter.
Leading 7-5 at the half, the teams traded goals in the third quarter.
Roemer's third score at the 3:55 mark of the fourth period gave Stanford its largest lead at 10-7.
The Cardinal's defense continued its strong play, allowing fewer than 10 goals for the 18th time this season.
Maya Avital made four saves in goal.
Stanford Goals: Jewel Roemer (4), Ryann Neushul (3), Jenna Flynn (2), Aria Fischer (1), Ella Woodhead (1).