November 14, 2008

Up first, the Golden Gophers

Stanford opens the season at home tonight against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Like Stanford, Minnesota begins the season with confidence. Their motto is, "Expect to win!" They too have more depth than last season with three freshmen (Jackie Voigt, Brianna Mastey and Kiara Buford) who are expected to play and produce immediately. Their top returning scorer, Emily Fox, is expected to pile up points again.*

But this will not be an easy game for the Gophers. In coach Pam Burton's seven seasons at Minnesota, they have never lost a season opener. But they have never opened against a nationally ranked opponent, nor away from home.

Read previews of the game from Minnesota's viewpoint by Mark Heise (Minnesota Daily) and Rachel Blount (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune.

*Emily Fox is also a world champion cup stacker.

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