ALBANY, N.Y – Another low scoring affair for Stanford field hockey on Sunday, but the Cardinal would fall on the losing end this time around as they fell to No. 18 UAlbany, 1-0. Stanford falls to 4-9 on the season after the loss, suffering their fifth defeat to a ranked opponent this season.
It was another sound defensive performance from the Cardinal today but UAlbany controlled the offensive pace throughout the game, not allowing Stanford to generate many offensive chances.
"We are improving with every game and that's the ultimate outcome," head coach Roz Ellis said. "Our team problem-solved today and I was impressed with our defensive ability against a strong attacking side in UAlbany. We have a tall order down the stretch, but I know our team will step up for the challenge."
The Great Danes lead the way on shots, 13-2, and held a narrow 3-2 advantage on penalty corners. Sophomore goaltender Daisy Ford registered six saves in 56 minutes of play for Stanford's, while Mia Clark and Liv Martin fired the Cardinal's two offensive attacks.
UAlbany's lone score came at the 26:47 mark in the game, scoring on a deflection off a pass from well outside the circle that skipped past Ford. Stanford looks to have found an equalizer late in the second period on a designed penalty corner play, as Martin seemingly had an opening on the back side but the UAlbany goalkeeper recovered to make a great save. The game remained scoreless in the final thirty minutes to give the Great Danes the one-score win.
Stanford will enjoy a two-week hiatus in the schedule before they close out the regular season on the road with two games that hold massive postseason implications, taking on Bryant on Oct. 27 and UMass Lowell on Oct. 29.