Feb. 28, 2010

IRVINE, CALIF. - The No. 4-ranked California women's water polo team dropped a 10-5 decision to the No.2-ranked USC Trojans in the third round of the UC Irvine Invitational Sunday at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. This was only the third loss of the season for the Golden Bears, who fall to 12-3.

The Trojans jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the opening period and took a 5-2 advantage into halftime. USC added four more goals in the third quarter, while outscoring Cal 5-3 in the second half.

The Bears received goals from five different players. Seniors Remy Champion, Erin Scully, and Camille Hewko, and sophomores Emily Csikos and Elizabeth McLaren were able to score for Cal. Sophomore goalie Stephanie Peckham notched eight saves, giving her 32 in the first three rounds of the UC Irvine Invitational.

Cal will next play No. 3 UCLA Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the third place game of the UC Irvine Invitational. The Bears lost to the Bruins, 7-6, last Saturday at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

California: 0-2-1-2 --- 5
USC: 2-3-4-1 --- 10
USC Goals: Kally Lucas 4, Joelle Bekhazi 2, Dominique Sardo 2, Patricia Jansco 2
California Goals: Remy Champion, Emily Csikos, Elizabeth McLaren, Erin Scully, Camille Hewko
USC Saves: Tumua Anae 10
California Saves: Stephanie Peckham 8