Stanford 26, BYU 17

On April 4th, Stanford faced the BYU Cougars in the opening of national tournament, playing for a spot in Sweet 16s in New Mexico. BYU was one of the best that Stanford has faced in the last couple of years.

Early in the first half, Stanford scored next to the post and Melissa Smit converted the kick for a starting 7-0 lead. The Cougars responded with a diving try under the defensive line and a conversion to even the score. Stanford scored and converted again, and BYU gained another try to start the second half 12-10. About 20 minutes into the second half, BYU turned the ball over and scored down the wing, giving them the 17-12 lead they held for a good portion of the second half. Stanford put in two quick tries late in the second half to win the game 26-17 and move on to play UC Davis the following day for the Pac Coast Championship.


Lock Kira Greco takes the ball into contact
(Photo by Dobson Images)
It was a well-fought game that many thought should have been played later in the tournament. But the opportunity to play such tough opposition has taught Stanford valuable lessons heading into New Mexico and the rest of tournament.


Team captain and 8-man Erin Kobashigawa will lead Stanford into the
playoffs in Albuquerque (Photo by Dobson Images)