Stanford women have retained their NCAA title, defeating USC in the championship final (11-9) for a second season in a row.
Key contributions from Jewel Roemer and Ryann Neushul, both members of Team USA, propelled the Cardinal to their ninth NCAA title, marking the first time they have retained the championship since 2014-2015.
Four Stanford players delivered double-digit scores, and Maya Avital, who played a vital role throughout the season, showcased her exceptional form once again by making eleven saves, including one penalty.
Southern California 9 – 11 Stanford (1-4, 3-0, 1-4, 4-3)
USC: T. Kearns 2, P. Hauschild 2, A. Aznar 2, G. Tehaney 1, M. Guiral 1, J. Janov 1.
Stanford: S. Wallace 2, J. Roemer 2, C. Wijnbelt 2, R. Neushul 2, J. Flynn 1, E. Woodhead 1, C. Hicks 1.
Stanford took an early lead, establishing a 4-1 advantage in the first quarter with Celeste Wijnbelt scoring twice. However, USC mounted a comeback, leveling the score at 4-4 through impressive performances by Paige Hauschild (2 goals) and Tilly Kearns. Nevertheless, the Cardinal regained control in the final period, executing two double-scoring breakaways to regain a three-goal lead (8-5).
Displaying remarkable resilience, Marko Pintaric’s team swiftly found the net three times in as many minutes, courtesy of Aznar, Kearns, and Janov, narrowing the gap to a single goal (10-9). However, with less than a minute remaining, the Cardinal sealed the victory with Ella Woodhead’s decisive finish.
Despite USC’s strong momentum throughout the season, Stanford demonstrated their superiority in crucial matches. Two weeks prior, Stanford had defeated the Trojans in the MPSF finals, and history repeated itself in the NCAA championship final.
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