[Spiny_Norman]

I'll add my $0.02. 

The first two matches are critical.  Aubert vs. Thomas.  Thomas is the #11 player in the country and a senior leader for UW.  But Aubert has confidence.  She apparently asked Coach Walker to be in the #1 position.  Edge to UW but strong momentum to Stanford if they pick up this point.

Danielson vs. Luo.  This is the match to watch.  Danielson is 5-0 in match play over the past two years.  Luo is a senior and the #2 player for UW.  Both players are good ball strikers.  Danielson is very steady.  She only made 10 birdies during stroke play (and a hole in one).  But she avoided big numbers and made a lot of pars.  This approach has served her well in match play too.  I don't know if Stanford can win without a point from Danielson.

So much will depend on putting.  The Stanford players seemed to struggle to get the speed right in the afternoon matches yesterday.  Lots of knee-knocking 3 and 4 and 5 footers needed when they left putts too short or ran them past.  I hope that the team spends a lot of time today adjusting to the speed so that they can have confidence in their strokes when it counts. 

As you watch the matches today, you will probably be able to feel the pressure yourself especially on the back 9.  Reflect back to last year when Mariah Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to tie her match.  I am still in awe of what she did.  Of the solid finish by Danielson to secure her point.  Aubert coming up big and getting a key point.  Just be impressed by the ability and mental strength of these athletes on both sides to perform at the highest levels under such intense pressure.

[Spiny_Norman]

I'll add my $0.02. 

The first two matches are critical.  Aubert vs. Thomas.  Thomas is the #11 player in the country and a senior leader for UW.  But Aubert has confidence.  She apparently asked Coach Walker to be in the #1 position.  Edge to UW but strong momentum to Stanford if they pick up this point.

Danielson vs. Luo.  This is the match to watch.  Danielson is 5-0 in match play over the past two years.  Luo is a senior and the #2 player for UW.  Both players are good ball strikers.  Danielson is very steady.  She only made 10 birdies during stroke play (and a hole in one).  But she avoided big numbers and made a lot of pars.  This approach has served her well in match play too.  I don't know if Stanford can win without a point from Danielson.

So much will depend on putting.  The Stanford players seemed to struggle to get the speed right in the afternoon matches yesterday.  Lots of knee-knocking 3 and 4 and 5 footers needed when they left putts too short or ran them past.  I hope that the team spends a lot of time today adjusting to the speed so that they can have confidence in their strokes when it counts. 

As you watch the matches today, you will probably be able to feel the pressure yourself especially on the back 9.  Reflect back to last year when Mariah Stackhouse finished birdie-birdie to tie her match.  I am still in awe of what she did.  Of the solid finish by Danielson to secure her point.  Aubert coming up big and getting a key point.  Just be impressed by the ability and mental strength of these athletes on both sides to perform at the highest levels under such intense pressure.