Aug. 30, 2003

BERKELEY, Calif. - Cal head coach Shellie Onstead had been preaching that the Bears would have a more explosive attack in 2003, but few would have expected a six-goal offensive explosion in the Bears' (1-0) opening matchup against perennial power Ohio State (0-1).

Thanks to a phenomenal four-goal performance by junior forward Amber Madsen, a relatively young Bears squad showed its maturity. Madsen's four goals were the most goals by a Cal player in a single game since Megan Sainsbury scored five in a game in 1999.

Freshmen Valentina Godfrid started off the day with an unassisted goal only 2:55 into the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Later in the half, Maggie Grimes was able to place the ball in the net - set up by a crisp assist by midfielder Nora Feddersen. Ohio State's Vanessa Immordino tried to get the Buckeyes back on track with a crowd silencing goal with 9:52 remaining in the half. But the youthful Bears did not cower, answering back five minutes later with the first of Madsen's four goals.

In the second half the Bears picked up where they left off, scoring three goals, all by Madsen, and limited OSU to only five shots on goal. In all, the Bears outshot the Buckeyes 26-8, dominating possession and positioning on the field.

"I am pleasantly surprised," said Onstead. "I expected to have a stronger attack in 2003, but wow. Our forwards stepped up today. Teela Crosthwaite and Maggie Grimes were exceptional. And for Madsen - I haven't seen four goals in a long time."