STANFORD, CA - The 3rd-ranked Stanford women's water polo team defeated top-ranked California 7-2 today at de Guerre Pool in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opener for both teams. With the win, Stanford upped its record to 9-2 while avenging two previous losses to Cal this season - both one-goal decisions. With the loss, the Golden Bears dropped to 9-2 on the season.

Sophomore driver Suze Gardner (Atherton, CA/Menlo School) got the Cardinal on the board at the 4:07 mark of the first quarter, driving a shot past Cal goalie Evi Schueller from seven meters out for a 1-0 Stanford lead. Back-to-back goals by sophomore two-meter Ellen Estes (Novato, CA/Novato HS) and a successful penalty shot by freshman driver Dani Bell (Long Beach, CA/Wilson HS) gave the Cardinal a 4-0 lead by the end of the opening quarter. The Cardinal opened up a 5-0 lead before Cal senior driver Karen Cook ended the shutout bid with a goal with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter. Gardner found the back of the net just 35 seconds in to the fourth quarter to build the lead to 6-1 and erase Cal's comeback bid. The two teams traded goals in the final 1:19 for a final score of 7-2.

Estes led the Cardinal scoring attack for the 10th time in 11 matches, posting a match-high four goals. Stanford junior goalkeeper Heather Crary (Redwood City, CA/Menlo School) recorded 11 saves in the victory.

Stanford returns to action on Sunday, March 8 when its hosts Pacific at 12:00 Noon.

Results:

            1    2    3    4    T
California  0    0    1    1    2
Stanford    4    1    0    2    7