Continuing a staggering start to the season, No. 15 Stanford lacrosse (3-2, 2-0 MPSF) took its fifth straight win over the Ohio State Buckeyes (4-1, 3-1 Big Ten) in an offensive display, scoring 11 in the second half to cruise to a 19-9 victory on Friday.
The Cardinal jumped to an explosive start just 11 minutes into the match, scoring four unanswered following an opening goal from senior attacker Kelly Myers, her eighth of the young season. After the Buckeyes evened the score at four apiece, Stanford finished the half strong and went into halftime with an 8-5 lead. The last goal of the period was netted by freshman Daniella McMahon off a beautiful assist from senior attacker Kelsey Murray.
Stanford faltered a bit as it came out of halftime, allowing Ohio State to move within one goal just 90 seconds into the second half. However, the Cardinal did not panic. The women calmly cemented their victory with an 11-2 run to finish the game in blowout fashion.
Sophomore midfielder Areta Buness and senior attacker Elizabeth Cusick led Stanford in the rout with two and three goals, respectively. Cusick continued her successful offensive season, where she sits second in overall points behind the team-leading Murray.
Coming after a stressful travel schedule to start the season, Stanford now returns home for a three-game homestand that will begin on Tuesday against the Michigan Wolverines at 7 p.m. in Cagan Stadium. The game will be streamed on the Pac-12 Networks.
Contact Lorenzo Rosas at enzor9 ‘at’ stanford.edu.