March 3, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. - No. 16 Stanford could not hang onto a halftime lead, falling to No. 11 Vanderbilt, 15-9. The Commodores stormed back after halftime to earn the win at Cagan Stadium. Stanford falls to 1-4 during its early run of game against five ranked teams.
The Cardinal carried its momentum from last week's big win over James Madison in the first half. Stanford led 6-3 at half with great defense and taking advantage of its scoring chances. Catherine Swanson had two goals in the half and Emilie Boeri had a goal and two assists.
Perhaps even more important was the Stanford defense, however. Elizabeth Adam led the way creating turnovers and new possessions for the Cardinal. Adam ended the game with three caused turnovers and five ground balls. In addition, Lyndsey Munoz served as the final line of defense, making five saves and allowing just three goals in the half.
The second half did not go as well for the Cardinal. Vanderbilt came out with renewed energy and score three goals in under two minutes to almost immediately erase the Stanford lead. The Cardinal retook the lead at 7-6, but Vanderbilt went ahead to stay with 22:12 to play. The Commodores earned the win with 10 different goal scorers, but it was Ally Carey with two goals and two assists, but more importantly seven draw controls that led the way.
Stanford managed just three goals in the second half as it was outshot 22-8 after the break. Emilie Boeri added a second goal and freshmen Emily Newstrom and Kyle Fraser added two goals apiece with one in each half.
Munoz finished with 11 saves, but the Cardinal could not stop Vanderbilt in the second half.
Next up, Stanford will face its first unranked opponent of the season on Sunday, March 11, at 1pm when it takes on New Hampshire at Cagan Stadium. The Cardinal will look to get back to its wining ways before it goes back out of the road.