No. 3 Stanford was narrowly defeated by No. 2 UCLA in a triple-overtime match on Saturday, with the final score at 13-12. The game took place in Los Angeles and marked the start of Stanford’s two-game road trip against top-ranked teams.
Stanford, which now holds a 12-5 overall record and is 1-3 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), saw its four-game winning streak come to an end despite a strong performance. The Cardinal managed to recover from an early deficit and entered the fourth period leading the game.
Gianpiero Di Martire led all scorers with five goals on nine shots, including one that put Stanford ahead by three at 9-6 during the third period. He also scored twice consecutively in the second quarter as Stanford outscored UCLA 5-2 over that stretch.
Ben Forer and Alex Gheorghe each contributed two goals for Stanford, with Forer adding four assists. Gheorghe drew six exclusions, more than any other player in the match, while Will Schneider finished with four exclusions.
The match was competitive throughout, reflecting a trend this season as all three encounters between these teams have been decided by three goals or fewer.
UCLA improved to 19-1 overall and 3-1 in MPSF play. The Bruins started strong with a 3-1 lead but were overtaken by Stanford’s rally in the second quarter. After trailing 4-2, Di Martire’s second goal of that period sparked four consecutive scores for Stanford, culminating with Ryan Ohl’s goal for a 6-4 advantage late in the half.
Stanford maintained its lead through much of the third quarter before UCLA tied it at 9 early in the fourth period. Both teams then traded goals until regulation ended.
After neither team scored in the first overtime period, UCLA moved ahead 12-11 during the second overtime session. Gheorghe responded quickly to tie it again at 12-all.
Frederico Juca Carsalade converted a penalty shot with just over a minute left in triple overtime to secure UCLA’s win.
Stanford goalkeeper West Temkin made 15 saves during the match, helping keep his team close throughout.
Stanford will next play No. 1 USC on Sunday, November 3.
