Stanford field hockey began its 2025 season with a 3-1 loss to No. 4 Maryland in the Conference Cup on Friday afternoon in College Park, Maryland. Despite the defeat, two Stanford players reached career milestones during the match.
Goalkeeper Daisy Ford set a personal best with 12 saves, while Summer Knight-Thompson scored her first collegiate goal for the Cardinal. Head coach Roz Ellis commented on the team’s performance: “Really sharp moments today,” said Ellis. “We need to execute our gameplan for a higher percentage of the time. When we nail it, we really roll well.”
Maryland opened scoring early, with Ella Gaitan finding the net just over a minute into play. Stanford’s defense held strong through three penalty corners in the first quarter, but could not equalize before the end of the frame.
In the second quarter, Stanford pressed forward and managed to tie the game five minutes in when Scout Butler assisted Knight-Thompson for her debut goal. Ellis praised Knight-Thompson’s contribution: “Summer is not playing like a first year,” said Ellis. “She’s molded herself into this squad and will be a staple on the scoring front.”
Before halftime, Maryland regained the lead after converting on a rebound from their ninth penalty corner opportunity. Ford made two stops during that sequence and had six saves by halftime.
The third quarter saw Maryland extend its lead with a penalty stroke goal late in the period. Ford continued her strong showing in goal throughout the second half, finishing with five more saves as Stanford’s defense limited further damage.
Stanford’s penalty corner unit performed effectively overall, stopping 13 of Maryland’s 14 opportunities during the match.
The Cardinal will continue play in the Conference Cup on Sunday, August 31 against James Madison at Maryland’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex. The match is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. ET.
