Oct. 11, 2010

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford men's water polo goalie Brian Pingree was named MPSF Mikasa Player of the Week Monday, the conference announced.

Pingree earned his first-ever player of the week honor after making a career-best 14 saves to anchor the No. 6 Stanford defense in its 5-3 victory over top-ranked USC Saturday at Avery Aquatic Center.

Six of Pingree's 14 saves came in the opening frame, as Stanford built a 2-0 lead. The Los Angeles native continued to successfully defend the Cardinal goal, allowing just one goal over three-plus periods and three in the game. The three goals scored was a season-low for the Trojans, who entered the contest sporting an MPSF-leading 15.40 goals per game.

Pingree ended the contest in style, saving a USC five-meter penalty shot as time expired.

The win improved Stanford's overall record to 7-4 and put the Cardinal into an early tie for first place in MPSF play with a 1-0 mark. This weekend, the Cardinal will continue MPSF play as it visits No. 2 UCLA Friday night at 7 p.m., then heads to No. 5 UC Santa Barbara for a 12 noon contest on Sunday.