Stanford Nets Game Winner; Ducks Fall 8-7

Friday, February 8

Stanford, Calif.

7 p.m.

University of Oregon

Stanford

02/08/08 | Women's Lacrosse

By: GoDucks.com

STANFORD, Calif. ? The Oregon lacrosse team opened the 2008 season with a heartbreaking 8-7 loss to Stanford on Friday night at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium

Stanford improved to 2-0 on the year and begins Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play 1-0. The Ducks, 0-1, have now lost to the Cardinal three times in four season openers.

Karen Nesbitt and Dana Lindsay led Stanford with two goals apiece, while Oregon junior Ilsa van den Berg put two in the back of the net for Oregon.

The Ducks looked to be in great shape after ending the first half on three-goal scoring streak. Trailing 4-3, Oregon freshman Alex Breiner came off the bench to tie the game, scoring her first career goal.

Two minutes later sophomore Erin Chisnell gave the Ducks an edge with unassisted look. Senior Jana Bradley then put an exclamation on the end of the half with an unassisted goal to send Oregon into the break ahead 6-4.

But Stanford countered, opening the second half by scoring three unanswered goals of its own during a quick four-minute span. While the Cardinal offfense got into gear, the defense limited the Ducks to just one second-half score.

After the Cardinal reclaimed their lead at 7-6, Oregon junior Casey Rector evened the game with an unassisted goal.

With the game knotted, Stanford's Amanda Schwab scored the game winner as just over 10 minutes remained.

The Cardinal now has a 4-1 series lead over Oregon, and the Ducks remain winless (0-2) at Stanford.

The teams played a fairly even game as the Cardinal had a slight, 29-26, advantage in shots.

Junior Anna Poponyak took the loss in goal for Oregon, making 13 saves.

Stanford's two-time All-American goalkeeper Laura Shanet stopped 14 attempts in her second win of the year.

Oregon was led by van den Berg's team-high five shots, while freshman Anna Swicklik received her first collegiate start.

The Ducks now play at UC Davis on Sunday in a second MPSF match up. Gametime is set for 1 p.m. at Aggie Stadium. The Ducks have won their last two meetings with the Aggies.