Efficient Opening WinEfficient Opening Win
Women's Water Polo

Efficient Opening Win

Stanford coasted past Wagner 18-6 on Friday in its NCAA opener

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LA JOLLA, Calif. – No. 1 Stanford opened its NCAA title defense with a convincing 18-6 win over No. 17 Wagner on Friday afternoon at the NCAA Championship.

The nation’s only program to have participated in all 25 NCAA Championships since the event’s inception in 2001, Stanford (15-1, 5-1 MPSF) coasted easily in its first competition since securing its ninth MPSF crown two weeks ago.

Chasing its fourth NCAA title in five seasons and 11th overall, Stanford received goals from 12 players, representing the sixth time this season in which 10 different Cardinal have scored a goal.

Jenna Flynn led the way with her 11th hat trick of the season, increasing her team-leading goal total to 50 while tying Katie Hansen (2004-07) for 11th in school history with 178 career goals.

The Cardinal’s trademark offensive depth was on display throughout the game, as Kamryn Barone, Lucy Haaland-Ford, Claire Minton and Natalia Szczerba also produced multi-goal performances.

Attempting to pull off the MPSF/NCAA championship double for the fifth time in school history, Stanford put the game out of reach early with leads of 4-1 after the first quarter and 11-2 by halftime.

Stanford extended its edge to double digits at 12-2 in the third period following Barone’s goal at the 5:26 mark.

Makenna Stretz scored her first goal of the season with 5:36 remaining in the fourth quarter, putting home a tap-in to extend the Cardinal’s lead to 16-4.

The Cardinal’s defense, which limited its opponent to seven goals or fewer for the 10th time this season, was anchored by Jackie King, who made eight saves.

Stanford next faces California in Saturday’s semifinals at 4 p.m. PT. The Cardinal has dominated the rivalry series, sweeping two meetings in 2026 and winning 23 of the last 28 matchups against California over the last 12 seasons.

Stanford Goals: Jenna Flynn (3), Kamryn Barone (2), Lucy Haaland-Ford (2), Claire Minton (2), Natalia Szczerba (2), Juliette Dhalluin (1), Sienna Green (1), Maggie Hawkins (1), Quinn Healy (1), Amber Nowaczek (1), Makenna Stretz (1), Ella Woodhead (1).