The victory propelled CdM into the Platinum Division with the other 24 top teams in the 48-team field. The remaining teams will compete in the Gold Division. CdM begins play in a three-team pool today at 11:45 a.m. at Capo Valley, bidding to be one of the four teams that advance to the Platinum Division semifinals and final.
The two wins-and-through result was anything but assured, however, as Stanford, a team that defeated CdM by one goal in an earlier summer matchup, stayed even for much of a contest that was scoreless through nearly three quarters.
Victoria Kent opened the scoring for CdM with 38 seconds left in the third period, caroming a shot off of a Stanford defender and past the goalie to halt the exclusive defensive domination.
After Stanford tied it 34 seconds into the six-minute fourth period, CdM pulled ahead on a smoothly executed six-on-five play. The goal, giving CdM its first conversion after two failed six-on-five opportunities, was scored by Victoria Kennedy, who was wide open with most of the cage exposed on the left wing, after receiving a cross-pool pass from the right wing by Elise Molnar.
Kate Baldoni, a first-team All-CIF Southern Section Division I goalkeeper and the Newport-Mesa Co-Player of the Year as a junior, anchored a defense that also featured Molnar and included steals by six different players.
Baldoni, who was named Outstanding Goalkeeper of the tournament while leading the U.S. junior national team to victory at the Global Championships earlier this month, made seven saves, including a point-blank shot in the first period and several other quality chances.
Heather Van Hiel rounded out the scoring with 1.6 seconds left, arching a lob from about 10 meters out into upper right corner of the cage.
