Feb. 2, 2007

Third ranked Stanford women's water polo team defeated No. 5 Hawaii ten to six in their first match of the season. The Cardinal was led by sophomore Lauren Silver, who tallied five goals on the day. Junior Jacquelyn Gauthier put two balls in the back of the net, along with seniors Katie Hansen and Christina Hewko, and sophomore Heather West who each scored one goal. Senior goalie Meridith McColl had an outstanding game in the cage, blocking 16 Hawaii shots.

Silver got the action started in the opening quarter as she rifled in the first goal of the game, less than two minutes into the quarter. Hawaii quickly tied the game at one apiece with her first of two goals. The two teams traded goals once again, this time Hawaii scored first to take the lead, but Silver tied the game for Stanford with a goal from half pool as time expired.

In the second quarter, the Rainbow Wahine scored back-to-back goals to claim a two goal advantage. Their advantage would not last long, as the Cardinal wasted no time in reclaiming the lead, scoring four goals in a row to make the score six to four.

Hawaii kept the game close, trading goals with Stanford again in the third quarter, but could not find a way to shut down Silver. She tallied three more goals, giving the Cardinal a comfortable lead, and ultimately the victory.

Both teams return to action tomorrow in the Stanford Invitational. The Cardinal take on San Jose State in the opening match of the tournament at 8:30am. Hawaii will play the 12:00pm game vs. Indiana.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

STANFORD WOMEN'S WATER POLO INVITATIONAL
February 3-4, 2007

Bracket B
USC
Stanford
ASU
San Jose St.

Saturday, Feb 3
8:30 am Stanford vs. San Jose St.
9:40 am USC vs. ASU
10:50 am UCLA vs. Cal
12:00 pm Hawaii vs. Indiana

3:30 pm ASU vs. San Jose St.
4:40 pm USC vs. Stanford
5:50 pm UCLA vs. Hawaii
7:00 pm Cal vs. Indiana

Sunday, Feb 4
AVERY POOL
8:00 am Stanford vs. ASU
9:10 am UCLA vs. Indiana

BAKER POOL
8:00am USC vs. San Jose St.
9:00am Hawaii vs. Cal

12:30 pm 4th place A vs. 4th place B -- 7th place game
1:50 pm 3rd place A vs.3rd place B -- 5th place game
3:10 pm 2nd place A vs. 2nd place B -- 3rd place game
4:30 pm 1st place A vs. 1st place B -- 1st place game