Feb. 4, 2012

STANFORD, CALIF. - The No. 2-ranked Cal women's water polo team lost its first match of the 2012 season, falling 4-3 to No. 4-ranked UCLA in the Golden Bears' (10-1) second match of the Stanford Invitational Saturday (Feb. 4) at Avery Aquatics Center. Cal was led by junior Breda Vosters' two goals and a goal by freshman Tiera Schroeder. Junior goalie Lindsay Dorst had seven saves for the Bears.

The Bruins, who Cal had lost to 10-8 in last year's Stanford Invitational's third-place match, jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period. The Bears were able to shut out UCLA in both the second and third periods while scoring a goal in each quarter to tie the match, 2-2, going into the final eight minutes. Unfortunately for Cal, the Bruins outscored the Bears, 2-1, in the last quarter to win 4-3.

Last year after falling to UCLA at the Stanford Invite, Cal recovered to top the Bruins, 7-6, in the MPSF Tournament championship match, and 7-4 in the NCAA semifinals.

In a morning match at the Stanford Invite, Cal was paced by three goals from sophomore Ashley Young and two goals apiece from juniors Dana Ochsner and Vosters, as the Bears defeated Michigan, 9-7.

Other scorers for the Bears against the Wolverines were junior Kirstn Mase and senior Elizabeth McLaren, and Dorst gathered nine saves. Cal had owned a 4-3 advantage at halftime and both teams notched three goals in the third period for a 7-6 Bear lead. Finally Cal controlled the contest by outscoring the Wolverines, 2-1, in the fourth period

The Bears will next face No. 10-ranked Hawaii at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5 at the Stanford Invite. Cal had defeated Hawaii, 8-5, Thursday night at Spieker Aquatics Complex. If the Bears defeat the Wahines they would play the second place finisher of Bracket A (Stanford, USC, San Jose State, UC Davis) at 3:15 p.m. Sunday in the tournament's third place match. Click here for the Stanford Invitational schedule and results2012 Stanford Invitational.

California - 0 1 1 1 = 3

UCLA - 2 0 0 2 = 4

California Goal Scorers - Breda Vosters (2), Tiera Schroeder.

UCLA Goal Scorers - KK Clark (2), Sarah Orozco, Kelly Ronimus.

Goalie Saves: - Lindsay Dorst 7 (Cal); Caitlin Dement 9 (UCLA)

California - 2 2 3 2 = 9

Michigan - 1 2 3 1 = 7

California Goal Scorers - Ashley Young (3), Dana Ochsner (2), Breda Vosters (2), Kirstn Mase, Elizabeth McLaren

Michigan Goal Scorers - Kiki Golden (3), Lauren Colton (2), Meagan Cobb, Hathaway Moore

California Goalie Saves - Lindsay Dorst 9