STANFORD, Calif. – No. 1 Stanford dropped a hard-fought 11-10 decision to No. 3 USC on Sunday afternoon at Avery Aquatic Center in a matchup of MPSF unbeatens.
Emily Ausmus scored the game-winner with 10 seconds remaining for USC (19-2, 4-0 MPSF), which snapped Stanford’s 19-game winning streak dating back to last season while also handing the Cardinal its first home loss since April 19, 2024.
Stanford (9-1, 3-1 MPSF) was attempting to start 10-0 for the seventh time over the last decade, including a 15-0 debut in 2025.
Sunday’s matchup was the latest installment of the sport’s best rivalry, as Stanford and USC have combined to win 14 of the last 15 NCAA titles.
After playing to a 4-4 tie through the first period, the Cardinal held a 7-5 halftime advantage and took its largest lead at 8-5 following a nifty backhand goal from Ella Woodhead at the 1:52 mark of the third period.
Juliette Dhalluin and Jenna Flynn produced hat tricks for Stanford while Serena Browne added a multi-goal performance.
Stanford scored the first three goals of the second period to seize a 7-4 lead. After Dhalluin converted a penalty shot and Kamryn Barone scored 45 seconds later, Flynn found the cage to make it 7-4 midway through the period.
After Woodhead’s goal gave the Cardinal an 8-5 edge, the Trojans collected back-to-back scores in the final 90 seconds.
Dhalluin scored with 5:55 remaining in the game to put Stanford in front 9-7 before USC rattled off three straight goals.
Trailing 10-9 after Meghan McAninch scored one of her four goals, Stanford responded in the final minute. Flynn completed her hat trick with 35 seconds left, scoring on an assist from Dhalluin.
Ausmus then found the cage for the decider with 10 ticks left.
Carpenter finished with seven saves in goal.
Stanford returns to action on Saturday, March 28, visiting Indiana at 10 a.m. PT.
Stanford Goals: Juliette Dhalluin (3), Jenna Flynn (3), Serena Browne (2), Kamryn Barone (1), Ella Woodhead (1).