ANN ARBOR, MI - The Hartwick women's water polo team opened the 2011 season today at the University of Michigan Kickoff against two of the nation's best. The Hawks fell in their opener this morning to nationally top-ranked Stanford University by a final score of 14-3. No. 4 UCLA then defeated 'Wick, 17-3, later in the afternoon.

Against the Cardinal, senior Jessica McKee (Tustin, CA), junior Lisa Bass (Montreal, Quebec), and sophomore Sasha Freeborn (Auckland, New Zealand) each scored for the Hawks. Jess Dorman (Auckland, New Zealand) made six saves in the Hartwick cage.

Stanford, which opened up a 6-1 lead at the end of the first quarter, was paced by three goals from Pallaui Menon. Jillian Garton, Cassie Churnside, and Kaley Dodson each added two goals for the Cardinal. Goalies Kate Baldoni (5) and Kim Hall (3) combined for eight saves.

The Hawks, who are ranked 14th in the latest national poll, returned to Donald B. Canham Natatorium to face UCLA which has won of seven of the last 10 national championships. The Bruins took a 6-1 lead after one period of play and led 10-2 at the half en route to the victory.

Freshman center Sami Capparelli (Miami, FL) led Hartwick with two goals in the game. McKee added her second goal of the day. Dorman made five saves in the Hawks' net.

UCLA's KK Clark (4) and Grace Reynolds (3) combined for seven goals. Priscilla Orozko and Kelly Easterday each scored twice and Caitlin Dement made 10 saves in the Bruin cage.

'Wick (0-2) plays tomorrow against #7 San Jose State at 7:15 a.m. and Colorado State at 12:20 p.m.