A showdown with a perennial Pac-12 contender served as an ample reminder of just how far this Ducks lacrosse team has to go. 

Three different Stanford players netted hat-tricks as the No.23 ranked Cardinal (6-3, 2-0 Pac-12) jumped all over Oregon (6-3, 0-2 Pac-12) en route to a commanding 18-8 victory. 

The Cardinal started red-hot, netting the game’s first three goals. Jay Browne and Sarah Jaques combined for the early tallies. 

Katie Collins found the net for a free-position goal, giving the Ducks their first score of the game nearly ten minutes in. 
The Ducks gained possession off the ensuing face-off, but one of 11 first-half turnovers was scooped up by Browne who dished to Jaques for another tally. 

A Morgan McCarthy score cut Stanford’s lead to 4-2, but — as was a trend all contest long —  the Ducks were unable to string goals together. Jaques and Annabel Frisk netted scores to extend the Cardinal lead. 
McCarthy added another, but her tally was once again answered with two more scores from Stanford. This time it was Rylee Bouvier and Ailish Kelly who fired two more shots past Oregon goaltender Thayer Hubbard.

Hubbard started yet again for the Ducks and had an inconsistent but positive showing despite the final score. She saved 11 shots in the first half alone and kept Stanford’s 8-4 half-time advantage relatively modest. 

Stanford finished the half with an astounding 27 total shots, 19 of which came on goal compared to just five on goal and nine total from the Ducks. 

Madisyn Sweeney opened the second half’s scoring but her tally was met with bitter Cardinal retribution.  Stanford netted the game’s next four scores and dominated time of possession as its lead only grew. 

Oregon’s offense had a subpar showing and was little challenge for Stanford goaltender Lucy Pearson. Pearson was superb, saving six of 14 shots faced. 

Katie Collins broke the lengthy drought, finding the net on the free position. Her second score of the game was quickly met by a pair more from the Cardinal. It was just that type of game for the Ducks who struggled to adjust to Stanford’s fast-paced tempo. 

Hubbard set a new career-high with 16 saves, that achievement became a moot point with Stanford finding the net 14 times on the sophomore goaltender. Cassidy Eckert came in for Hubbard to begin the fourth quarter and didn’t fare much better, saving six and allowing four goals. 

Stanford’s defense was stifling throughout, forcing 22 Oregon turnovers. 
The Ducks found the net just twice in the final quarter, while Stanford added four more. Only extending the sizable advantage. 

The Ducks’ strong non-conference slate may have resulted in overzealous expectations surrounding head coach Jessica Drummond’s squad. The previously powerful offense has been difficult to find at times, while the fouls that previously were insignificant have proved costly. Oregon was outshot 52-21 on Saturday and was penalized 26 times in the blowout.

Stanford is a West Coast lacrosse powerhouse, while the Ducks are a team finding their footing. That same narrative was evident  in the lopsided final score. 

The Ducks return home to Eugene taking on UC Davis next Saturday at 1 p..m.