Feb. 6, 2010

STANFORD, CALIF. - Led by sophomore Emily Csikos' eight goals in two matches, the Cal women's water polo team continued its strong start (8-0) to the 2010 season with a 4-3 victory over No. 5 UCLA and a 12-6 win over No. 9 Arizona State Saturday in the opening two rounds of the Stanford Invitational Saturday (Feb. 6) at Avery Aquatic Center.

Csikos, from Calgary, was stellar the first day of the Stanford Invite, notching five goals against the Sun Devils and three goals against the Bruins. Senior Camille Hewko added three goals against ASU, while senior Erin Scully and freshmen Lauren Bridges, Taylor Dodson and Dana Ochsner also notched goals.

Against UCLA, Csikos' three goals led the way. The Bears also got a goal from senior Stephanie Schnugg against the Bruins. Defensively, Cal was bolstered by sophomore Stephanie Peckham's eleven saves.

The Bears had held a 3-1 lead at halftime after shutting out UCLA, the 2008 national champions, scoreless in the second period. The Bruins did outscore Cal 2-1 in the third period, but the Bears maintained their advantage when both teams held each other scoreless in the fourth period.

Cal will next play No. 3 Hawaii Sunday at 9:15 a.m., and then according to prior results will either play in the third place match (3:15 p.m.) or the tournament championship (4:30 p.m.). On Wednesday, the Bears had upended the Rainbow Wahines, 7-4, at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

Arizona State - 1 2 3 0 = 6
California - 4 5 1 2 = 12
Arizona State Goal Scorers - White 3, Harris, Miles, Smith
California Goal Scorers - Emily Csikos 5, Camille Hewko 3,
Lauren Bridges, Taylor Dodson, Dana Ochsner, Erin Scully
Goalie Saves: - Young 6 (ASU);
Stephanie Peckham 10 (C)

UCLA - 1 0 2 0 = 3
California - 2 1 1 0 = 4
UCLA Goal Scorers - Greenwood, Martin, S. Orozco
California Goal Scorers - Emily Csikos 3,
Stephanie Schnugg
Goalie Saves: - Dement 6 (UCLA);
Stephanie Peckham 11 (C)