Stanford’s field hockey team ended its postseason run with a narrow 4-3 loss to Virginia in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Field Hockey Tournament on Tuesday evening in Louisville, Kentucky. The defeat concludes Stanford’s season with a 7-10 record and marks the program’s second appearance in the ACC postseason.
Head coach Roz Ellis reflected on her team’s performance: “We were very proactive today with changing the channel and understanding the space to attack. That was a shuge thing we focused on from the last time we played them and it resulted in three excellent goals.”
The match began with Stanford managing to withstand early pressure from Virginia, successfully defending two penalty corners. Summer Knight-Thompson opened scoring for Stanford just after five minutes, netting her third goal of the season following a sequence of passes initiated by Bea Varley.
Stanford held onto its lead into the second quarter before Virginia responded with three quick goals within five minutes, shifting momentum and giving UVA a 3-1 advantage at halftime. Ellis addressed her team during the break: “At halftime we discussed the work rate we needed for our attack and to defend with patience. Sprinting and working on your feet is hard and that mentality and work rate seperated us.”
In the second half, Stanford increased its offensive efforts. Nadine Brenninkmeyer scored late in the third quarter after receiving a pass from Esther Pottebaum, reducing Virginia’s lead to one goal. Despite continued pressure from Stanford—including seven shots in the final frame—Virginia managed another goal early in the fourth quarter.
Maroussia Walckiers brought Stanford back within one by capitalizing on a failed defensive clearance by Virginia during a penalty corner sequence. The Cardinal pressed hard for an equalizer but could not convert their chances before time expired.
Reflecting on her team’s progress this season, Ellis said: “The seniors have helped me build this program and the underclassmen have stepped up each year. We are not underdogs. We have made our mark and our possibilities are endless.”
