BERKELEY, Calif. - No. 1 Stanford opened its NCAA title defense with a pair of convincing victories at the Cal Cup on Saturday, coasting past No. 14 San Jose State 21-2 and No. 9 Fresno State 25-8.
The Cardinal (2-0) returned to the pool for the first time since defeating USC 10-7 last May to capture its eighth NCAA crown and first since 2019.
Saturday's nightcap was especially memorable, with the victory over Fresno State representing career win No. 600 for head coach John Tanner. Now in his 26th season, Tanner, Stanford's Dunlevie Family Director of Women's Water Polo, has compiled a 600-88 (.872) career coaching record while guiding the Cardinal to eight NCAA titles.
Stanford's offense was clicking throughout the day, with 14 different players finding the cage over the two games combined.
The Cardinal wraps up tournament play on Sunday, squaring off against host No. 4 California (11 a.m.).
No. 1 Stanford 21, No. 14 San Jose State 2
Aria Fischer delivered a team-high four goals on five attempts, pacing an offensive onslaught in which Stanford doubled up San Jose State (36-18) in shots.
Katie Lyons found the cage in all three of her attempts as 11 different players scored for the Cardinal.
Ryann Neushul, Stanford's leading returning scorer with 69 goals in 2022, contributed two goals and a team-best three assists.
The Cardinal also received contributions from several freshmen in their debut. Jenna Flynn, Maggie Hawkins and Ella Woodhead scored two goals apiece while Jackie King played the second half in goal and made two saves.
Maya Avital finished with six saves in the first half.
Stanford Goals: Aria Fischer 4, Katie Lyons 3, Jenna Flynn 2, Maggie Hawkins 2, Ryann Neushul 2, Lexi Rowell 2, Ella Woodhead 2, Eleanor Facey 1, Skyler Jones 1, Sophie Wallace 1, Celeste Wijnbelt 1.
No. 1 Stanford 25, No. 9 Fresno State 8
Aria Fischer scored a career-high six goals on eight shots as Stanford produced its highest goal total since a 25-4 win over Indiana on Feb. 2, 2019.
The Cardinal owned a slim shot edge at 37-34, but converted 68 percent of its chances compared to the Bulldogs' 24-percent clip and finished 5-of-6 on the power play.
Eleanor Facey matched a career high with three goals while Jenna Flynn and Ryann Neushul also added three apiece.
Maya Avital finished with eight saves over the first three periods before Jackie King added five saves in the fourth.
Stanford Goals: Aria Fischer 6, Eleanor Facey 3, Jenna Flynn 3, Ryann Neushul 3, Hannah Constandse 2, Maggie Hawkins 2, Katie Lyons 2, Jewel Roemer 2, Sophia Sanders 1, Sophie Wallace 1.