LONG BEACH, CALIF. In a tough loss for the California men's water polo program, the Golden Bears dropped a 9-6 decision to host Long Beach State Friday in the first round of the 2014 MPSF Tournament at the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center.

Kirk Everist's squad (20-7) was led by three goals from senior Aleksa Saponjic and a pair of goals from sophomore Farrel South, while senior goalie Jon Sibley recorded eight saves and two steals.

South has started the match's scoring with a goal at 6:45 in the first period, but Long Beach State held a 2-1 lead after the first period. Both teams scored twice in the second period with freshman Conor Neumann and Saponjic tallying goals for the Bears.

Long Beach State and Cal were even again in the third period with two goals apiece. South opened the second half with a goal to tie the contest and then Saponjic gave the Bears a 5-4 lead with a score at 5:40 in the third.

Unfortunately for Cal, Long Beach State score the final two goals of the third quarter and then outscored the Bears in the fourth period for the 9-6 win.

Cal will next play UC Santa Barbara at 10 a.m. Saturday.