Stanford beats Cal 38-0
A hardfought performance by both teams this weekend. The Crawford forwards were able create space for the backline out wide. Rookie center, Sasha Herbst de Cortina ’15, had an exceptional performance on Saturday, making several key line breaks and running hard support lines that led to her scoring two of Crawford’s tries.
“I was really nervous for this game since I just came off an injury and it was my first time playing center, but once I got out there our team dynamic really helped me calm down and focus on the game. We had worked all week on communicating, playing together as a unit, and pushing each other, so I was confident we could do well together. This team effort helped me make line breaks because the work other girls had put in spread Cal’s defense away from our back line, leaving channels open to run through.” – Herbst de Cortina.
Second year player Tia Watkins ’15 has moved from the deep three to scrumhalf and played the entire Crawford game at 9.
“Playing is definitely much different than playing fullback or wing. Being in just about every play was exciting, but also pretty stressful since I am still learning the ins and outs of the position. I think the forwards did a really great job during the B-side game of helping me direct the flow of the game. It was also great working with Kelly at 10, she always has a very calm handle of the game and is really good at executing plays.” – Watkins
Watkins dedication to the team was asserted when starting fullback Chelsea Harris ’15 was injured during the first half of the A-side game. Watkins took her place without hesitation.
“Coming in unexpectedly for Chelsea in the first half of the A-side game was a rough transition, especially since I haven’t played or practiced at fullback this season. The momentum of the game really started to turn around at the end of the first half and continued to build through the second 40 minutes. It felt awesome being a part of that. I think the big difference between the A-side and B-side came down to taking advantage of the momentum. In the first game, once we were up, we let our guards down and Cal took advantage of that. In the second game, our lead made us fight even harder. We never let up and thats what prevented Cal from scoring.” – Watkins
Cal put up a fight during the A-side game. In the first half, Stanford struggled to execute and finish phases cleanly. Cal’s forwards took advantage of the high height of the combat, exposing Stanford’s weakness in rucks to produce a clean ball. This led to Stanford spending several phases in Cal’s 22 without scoring. The first half ended Stanford 12, Cal 0. The second half, Stanford was able to pull together, maintain possession in contact, finish through phase play and put up four more tries. Good connection along the defensive line kept Cal from scoring.
Individuals of the Stanford forward pack have the strength and power to dominate in every scrum. The tight five look to work on their bind and body height for the next conference game. If able to bring that power together and maintain it after the engage, Stanford will demolish any scrum it faces.
Coming up, Stanford plays Santa Clara this Saturday, February 2nd, at Steuber Field. The time is yet to be determined.
Crawford vs. Cal B
Final Score: 22 – 24 (loss)
Tries scored by:
-Mia Hutchinson ’16
-Blanche Du Sault ’15
-Sasha Herbst de Cortina ’15 (2)
Conversion made by Kelly LaBuff ’14
Stanford vs. Cal A
Final Score: 38 – 0 (win)
Tries scored by:
-Chelsea Harris ’15
-Michelle Teo ’14
-Raven Jackson-Stone ’13
-Caitlin Breen ’13
-Aly Gleason ’13 (2)
Conversions made by Aly Gleason ’13 (4)