Feb. 21, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. - The No. 5 California women's water polo team fell to No. 4 UCLA, 9-4, at the Irvine Invitational on Saturday afternoon at the Anteater Pool. The game was Cal's first match during the 2009 season against a higher-ranked opponent, and its only loss on the season. The Golden Bears now stand at 14-1, and UCLA improves 9-2.

The Bruins built an early lead, holding a 5-1 advantage to start the second stanza. The second period saw eight minutes of even play with both squads scoring twice. The Bruins sealed the win by finding the back of the net twice in the third quarter while the Bears scored once. Defense controlled the final period of play with neither team converting.

Freshman driver Emily Csikos paced the Bears, scoring half of their goals. Redshirt junior utility Julie Oreglia and freshman Athina Vazeos each had one goal. Freshman goalkeeper Stephanie Peckham made an incredible 14 stops between the posts.

Next, Cal takes on Arizona State on Sunday at 8 a.m.

Score by period	1	2	3	4	F
No. 5 Cal	1	2	1	0	4
No. 4 UCLA	5	2	2	0	9

Cal Goals: Emily Csikos 2, Julie Oreglia 1, Athina Vazeos 1
UCLA Goals: Tanya Gandy 4, Priscilla Orozco 2, Anne Belden 1, Katie Rulon 1, KK Clark 1

Cal Saves: Stephanie Peckham 14
UCLA Saves: Brittany Fullen 11