FRESNO, Calif. - No. 1 Stanford came away with a split on the opening day of the Fresno State Polo-Palooza, defeating No. 5 UC Irvine 11-9 before falling 9-7 in overtime to No. 5 Hawai'i in the nightcap.
The Cardinal (1-1) was returning to the pool for the first time since repeating as national champions last May while claiming its ninth NCAA crown in school history.
However, this season's team features a significantly new-look roster, as Stanford is without the services of Jenna Flynn, Ryann Neushul, Jewel Roemer and Ella Woodhead. The quartet, which includes three ACWPC All-Americans and accounted for 44.0 percent of the Cardinal's scoring in 2023, is taking a leave of absence while training and competing with the U.S. National Team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Saturday's competition provided two early-season tests, with multiple players adjusting to new roles as the Cardinal begins to navigate different lineup combinations.
Stanford returns to action on Sunday against host No. 9 Fresno State (11 a.m.) and No. 11 UC Davis (4:30 p.m.).
No. 1 Stanford 11, No. 5 UC Irvine 9
Christina Hicks scored a career-high five goals, pacing a strong effort in the Cardinal's season opener.
Hicks, who scored three of her goals in the second half while leading all players with seven shots, was one of five Stanford players to find the cage.
Kamryn Barone scored twice in her collegiate debut while Sophia Sanders chipped in with two goals and an assist.
Stanford held a 29-26 shot edge but converted 5-of-11 on the power play while UC Irvine was just 2-9 in those situations.
Maya Avital made six saves in goal and stopped a penalty shot.
Stanford Goals: Christina Hicks (5), Kamryn Barone (2), Sophia Sanders (2), Eleanor Facey (1), Sophie Wallace (1).
No. 5 Hawai'i 9, No. 1 Stanford 7 (OT)
Jordan Wedderburn scored in each overtime period, fueling Hawai'i to the upset victory and first win over Stanford in 37 meetings.
Playing only its third overtime game over the last five seasons, Stanford suffered its fourth loss since the start of the 2022 campaign. Stanford also dropped its first match to a non-conference opponent since May 8, 2004, when the Cardinal lost 5-4 to Loyola Marymount in the first round of the NCAA Championship.
Hawai'i led 3-1 at halftime before Stanford made its comeback in the third period, outscoring the Rainbow Wahine 5-3 over that stretch.
Sophia Sanders' goal at the 7:00 mark of the fourth period gave the Cardinal its only lead of the game at 7-6.
Sophie Wallace scored twice on a game-best nine shots but Stanford struggled to convert its opportunities.
Maya Avital finished with 12 saves.
Stanford Goals: Sophie Wallace (2), Eleanor Facey (1), Maggie Hawkins (1), Christina Hicks (1), Skyler Jones (1), Sophia Sanders (1).