Feb. 12, 2010

STANFORD, Calif. - The top-ranked Stanford women's water polo team (7-0), plays the final home game of February at Avery Aquatic Center Saturday morning against Sonoma State at 9:45 a.m. The Cardinal is coming off of its first Stanford Invitational title since 2003, which it captured last weekend thanks to four straight wins, including 10-7 victories over No. 2 USC and No. 4 California in the championship game.

Stanford, off to a seven-game winning streak to start the season, is led by the play of Melissa Seidemann (10 goals in the Stanford Invitational), freshman Annika Dries (six goals in the tournament) and Kelly Eaton, who had a pair of goals in the title-game win over California.

About The Opposition
Sonoma State (1-7) enters Saturday morning's contest at Avery Aquatic Center on the heels of its first victory of the season, an 8-6 win over Redlands on Feb. 7.

With Coralie Simmons in her third season at the Sonoma State helm, the Seawolves are led in the pool by the play of Laurel Stricklin (12 goals), Holly Armijo (five) and Emily Pearce (five). In the cage, Gina Uliana has made 59 saves over the team's eight games.

The Series With Sonoma State
Stanford and Sonoma State last met in 2009, with the Cardinal capturing a 19-7 victory over the Seawolves. Koree Blyleven and Melissa Seidemann each scored four goals for the Cardinal as Kim Hall went the distance in the cage and made five saves.

Cardinal Captures Stanford Invitational
Stanford won its own tournament last weekend for the first time since 2003, culminating its run with a 10-7 victory over No. 4 California Sunday at Avery Aquatic Center. Sophomore Melissa Seidemann scored 10 goals over the weekend, including a pair in the title-game victory. Senior Kelly Eaton also netted two goals against California while freshman Annika Dries scored six goals over the weekend.

Dries Named Newcomer Of The Week
Freshman two-meter Annika Dries earned the MPSF's first Newcomer of the Week honor after her performance at the Stanford Invitational. Dries scored six goals in the tournament, and posted a pair of hat tricks in wins over Michigan and San Jose State.