Stanford Dominates Le Moyne in Season Opener with Record-Breaking Shooting
STANFORD, Calif. — In a powerful season opener at Maples Pavilion under new head coach Kate Paye, Stanford set a school record with 18 three-pointers to claim a dominant 107-43 victory over Le Moyne. Redshirt junior Jzaniya Harriel led the Cardinal with a career-high 24 points, propelling a team effort that showcased Stanford’s depth, unselfish play, and relentless defense. This win marked a strong debut for Paye at the helm and established an energetic foundation for Stanford’s season.
Harriel Shines in Historic Performance
Harriel’s hot hand was undeniable as she sank six of her seven three-point attempts, finishing with 24 points and five rebounds. Her efficiency from beyond the arc set the tone for Stanford, contributing to the team’s record-breaking 18 threes on 52.9% shooting from deep. The Cardinal had a balanced attack, with Elena Bosgana and Nunu Agara adding 19 and 18 points, respectively, to solidify their advantage. Sophomore Chloe Clardy also impressed, going 3-for-3 from long range and notching a career-best 15 points.
Reflecting on Harriel’s standout night, Paye said, “This is the way she’s been playing all summer, all fall, and it’s really exciting to see her out there doing it. Obviously, 25 assists, school record with 18 threes, you know, but our team knows that we’re not going to count on that every single night.”
Three-Point Shooting and Strong Defense Fuel Victory
Stanford’s three-point shooting was a key strategy throughout the game, spacing the floor to allow for effective inside play and fast-break opportunities. Le Moyne initially kept pace with Stanford in the first quarter, trailing 16-10. However, the Cardinal found their groove in the second quarter, outscoring Le Moyne 34-12 and pulling away decisively. Stanford’s defense played a crucial role in sparking this offensive burst, with multiple players generating steals that led to transition baskets.
“Our defense really got us going in the second quarter,” Paye noted. “After our exhibition game, we were totally focused on improving our defense. We felt like that was the biggest area for improvement. So we really focused on that in the days leading up to the game.”
Depth and Team Play Highlight Stanford’s Identity
Paye’s roster displayed remarkable depth, with eleven players scoring and five reaching double figures. Stanford’s bench contributed 38 points, underscoring the team’s strength in numbers and the unselfishness that Paye has emphasized. Stanford also won the rebounding battle, totaling 45 boards, led by Mary Ashley Stevenson with 10. The Cardinal’s size and versatility allowed them to control the paint and defend the perimeter effectively, holding Le Moyne to just 26.8% shooting from the field.
Looking at individual performances, Bosgana posted 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and added seven rebounds, showcasing her potential as a dynamic contributor on both ends. Agara, meanwhile, contributed 18 points in the paint and had an impressive +51 plus-minus rating, demonstrating her ability to impact the game beyond scoring.
Paye commended her team’s unselfish play, saying, “I think what’s really exciting is our team is unselfish. There are a lot of possessions where extra passes were made, and five players were touching the ball, really searching for the best shot.”
Takeaways and Areas for Improvement
While Stanford’s offensive firepower was evident, Paye remains committed to developing a well-rounded game plan that will sustain the team through the season. She highlighted the need for continued defensive improvement as the Cardinal prepares for tougher competition, particularly in their new conference, the ACC.
“The biggest takeaway tonight is that we have excellent shooters, but we know that we have to keep improving, especially on the defensive end,” said Paye. “We’re going to have to kind of build on the good things we did tonight, learn from the things we want to do better.”
Looking Ahead to Washington State
Stanford will next face Washington State, a familiar opponent from the former Pac-12 conference, in a Thursday matchup at Maples Pavilion. The Cougars, coming off an overtime win, bring strong guard play and experience, setting the stage for an early test in Stanford’s young season. Paye noted that Washington State will pose a different level of competition, demanding focus and resilience from her team as they strive for consistency and growth in the new ACC landscape.
With their first win under Paye’s leadership, the Cardinal have laid the groundwork for an exciting season, combining shooting prowess, depth, and defensive potential.
