April 11, 2010

SANTA CLARA, CALIF. - The No.3-ranked California women's water polo team extended its winning streak to nine by winning both of its games Sunday at the Bronco Tournament with an 11-3 win against No. 7 Loyola Marymount and a 17-5 victory over No. 17 UCSD at the Sullivan Aquatic Complex. Freshman Dana Ochsner paced the Golden Bears with eight goals in their two matches, including seven in the second game against UCSD. Sophomore goalie Stephanie Peckham was superb defensively, adding 19 saves in the two games, including 12 in the first half against the Tritons. This is the second time this season that Cal has won nine straight games, as it improves to 23-5.

In the second match of the day against UCSD, the Bears got off to a hot start and held a 6-0 lead after the opening period. Cal continued its scoring surge, by adding six more goals in the second quarter and led 12-2 at halftime. The Bears outscored the Tritons 5-3 in the second half, on the way to a 17-5 victory.

In addition to Ochsner's seven goals, freshman Lauren Bridges scored three and senior Stephanie Schnugg had two. Seniors Meghan Corso and Julie Oreglia, sophomores Emily Csikos and Jessica Robinson, and freshman Taylor Dodson also added goals for Cal.

Earlier in the day against Loyola Marymount, the Lions held an early advantage, leading 2-1 after the opening period. The Bears were able to score three goals in the second quarter, while shutting out LMU, to take a 4-2 lead into halftime. Cal came out strong in the second half and outscored the Lions 7-1.

Sophomore Camille Hewko had a game-high three goals for the Bears against LMU, while sophomore Emily Csikos, Cal's leading scorer, had two. Seniors Meghan Corso, Remy Champion, and Stephanie Schnugg, sophomore Elizabeth McLaren, and freshmen Dana Ochsner and Breda Vosters each added a goal.

In both matches at the Bronco Tournament, eight different Bears scored a goal. Cal outscored its opponents 28-8 in the two games, improving to 19-3 in tournaments this season.

The Bears will return to Mountain Pacific Sports Federation League play next weekend when they travel to Stanford to battle the No. 2-ranked Cardinal Sat. April 17 at 6 p.m. at Avery Aquatic Center in the final game before the MPSF Tournament. Stanford handed Cal its first loss of the season--a 10-7 win at the Stanford Invitational in February.

UCSD: 0-2-0-3 --- 5
California: 6-6-1-4 --- 17
UCSD Goals: Kirsten Bates 2, Jessica Tran 2, Hanalei Crowell
California Goals: Dana Ochsner 7, Lauren Bridges 3, Stephanie Schnugg 2, Jessica Robinson, Emily Csikos,
Julie Oreglia, Meghan Corso, Taylor Dodson
UCSD Saves: Sydney Fitzpatrick 6
California Saves: Stephanie Peckham 12, Elizabeth Layton 3

Loyola Marymount: 2-0-1-0 --- 3
California: 1-3-3-4 --- 11
Loyola Marymount Goals: Mary Ann Campos 3
California Goals: Camille Hewko 3, Emily Csikos 2, Remy Champion, Dana Ochsner, Breda Vosters,
Elizabeth McLaren, Meghan Corso, Stephanie Schnugg
Loyola Marymount Saves: 5
California Saves: Stephanie Peckham 7