Stanford 95, Northern Iowa 5

Stanford continued on its quest toward a National Title, as the USA National Collegiate playoffs began on Friday, April 18, at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Cardinal began its Round of 16 play facing a very athletic University of Northern Iowa team.

Though outweighed, the Stanford scrum did a magnificent job to dominate and win the ball. This great play on the front end, coupled with the quickness and agility of the back line, helped Stanford post a 57-0 score at halftime. The Panthers were able to score off a scrum set deep in Stanford territory with 15 minutes remaining in the game, but the fast tempo style of the Stanford Women was no match for NIU. Chris Skieller, Jennifer Cooperider and Ramine Cromartie ended the day with a try a piece. Ono Nseyo and Jessica Watkins combined to earn another 10 tries, most of which came from long breakaways. In addition to a try of her own, Melissa Smit was 12-for-13 on kick conversions.

With the win today, Stanford advances to the Championship bracket in their pool.