BREAKING: Stanford women’s basketball reclaimed dominance over California with a thrilling 78-69 victory on December 14, 2025, at Maples Pavilion. This decisive win comes after Cal swept Stanford last season, marking the first time since 1985-86 that the Bears triumphed in the rivalry.
In a dramatic fourth quarter, Stanford scored 12 consecutive points, showcasing resilience and skill that shocked a previously confident Cal team. Junior forward Courtney Ogden led the charge, netting a career-high 25 points in this ACC opener for both teams.
“Certainly no one liked what happened last year, but that was last year,” said Stanford coach Kate Paye. “We’re driving ahead. We’re not looking in the rearview mirror.”
Last season saw Stanford’s remarkable streak of 36 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances come to an end, while Cal celebrated its first NCAA berth since 2019. However, with this victory, Stanford (9-2) appears poised to reignite its postseason ambitions, while Cal (8-4) faces challenges ahead.
Ogden, a five-star recruit known for her shooting prowess, successfully adapted her game, scoring predominantly from inside the arc. “Kate has encouraged me to attack the basket more,” she revealed. “It paid off today.”
In addition to Ogden’s stellar performance, freshman Lara Somfai contributed significantly with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Chloe Cardy also made her mark, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc for a total of 13 points.
Cal’s forward Taylor Barnes led her team with 16 points, but the Bears struggled in the second half, failing to capitalize on their early lead. Despite a strong start, Cal went 5 1/2 minutes without scoring during a critical stretch, allowing Stanford to seize control.
“We just made some mistakes down the stretch that were too much to overcome,” said Cal coach Charmin Smith. “We have to be better if we’re going to win in the ACC.”
As both teams head into the “Pac-12 stretch” of their schedules, Stanford will face No. 20 Washington on Friday, while Cal is set to take on No. 16 USC in a doubleheader at the Chase Center.
The stakes are high as Stanford aims to regain its former glory, and Cal seeks to bounce back from this setback. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as these teams strive for success in the competitive world of women’s college basketball.
