Stanford Beat Bears in Big Game Rematch

Following a previously close encounter earlier in the year, when Stanford beat Cal on the final play of the game 27-26, Stanford defeated Cal soundly 62-5 victory.  The win clinches first place in the Pacific Mountain Conference for Stanford, extending their record to 5-0, with one game to play vs. Chico State.

Stanford started the game on fire, with two quick tries in the opening six minutes from Olivia Bernadel-Huey and Dani McDonald to take a 10-0 lead.  The game slowed down at that point, and despite consistent Stanford pressure, points weren’t realized again until Kathryn Treder crossed over in the 27th minute.  Nikki Richardson hit her first of six conversion of the day for 17-0 Stanford lead.  Treder would score her second just before the half, and Stanford went into the break up 22-0.

Despite the strong lead, Stanford had left multiple opportunities on the table, primarily due to handling errors halting the Stanford attack.  The second half was far more clinical from the Cardinal, and the Stanford attack found a more precise and quickly flowing rhythm.  Stanford would cross the line six times in the second period, one each from Chelsey Sveinsson, Madda Wilson, Maki Asrat, Julia Howell, Esther Melton and Richardson. Stanford did concede one try in the second period from a turnover they were unable to recover from, but otherwise kept a potentially potent Cal back line attack at bay.

For Stanford, this was one of their best performances of the season.  More clinical with the ball in hand, they often took Cal through continuous phases that led to large territory gains and often scores.  However, errant Stanford passes still seemed to stop Stanford more than Cal defenders, and Stanford will work to improve on continuity with the ball in hand.  In defense, Stanford was much improved from their previous encounter with the Golden Bears, showing much improved urgency in transitions and kicking exchanges to keep the quick and elusive Cal backs from opportunities with space.

In the second team game, Stanford pitched a 38-0 shutout.  Everyone contributed to an outstanding team performance, and individual standouts included Lex Schoenberg, Lia Ferguson, Kleo Greenwood, Jhori Varner, Tia Watkins, and Justice Echols. 

Next Up: Stanford (6-0/5-0) will finish Pacific Mountain Conference when they travel to play Chico State (1-3) on Saturday 3/7.  In their prior encounter this year, Stanford defeated the Wildcats 52-0.  On Sunday 3/8, Stanford will be hosting the Berkeley All Blues, traditionally one of the strongest Women’s Club teams in the Country.

Stanford Team vs. Cal:  1: Isabella Jibilian  2: Kathryn Treder 3: Chelsey Sveinsson 4: Julia Howell  5: Allie Ballesteros  6: Sasha Herbst de Cortina *Captain  7: Catherynn Vuong  8: Lai Turn 9: Esther Melton 10: Nikki Richardson 11: Dani McDonald 12: Maki Asrat  13: Madda Wilson 14: Chelsea Harris  15: Olivia Bernadel-Huey

Scoring Summary:  2: Stanford Bernadel-Huey Try   6: Stanford  McDonald Try  27: Stanford Treder Try (Richardson Conversion)  39: Stanford Treder Try  (Halftime Stanford 22 – Cal 0)  47: Stanford Sveinsson Try (Richardson Conversion) 52: Stanford Wilson Try  55: Cal Try 63: Stanford Asrat Try (Richardson Conversion)  67: Stanford Howell Try (Richardson Conversion)  73: Stanford Melton Try (Richardson Conversion)  77: Stanford Richardson Try (Richardson Conversion) (Fulltime Stanford 62 – Cal 5)