BERKELEY, Calif. — For the 15th time this season No. 8 California (18-4, 1-0 MPSF) held its opponent to five or less goals as they defeated No. 18 San Diego State (8-12) 9-5 Saturday at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

The Golden Bears jumped out to an early two goal lead, however, the Aztecs quickly fought back with one of their own. For most of the first half SDSU kept within an arms reach of the Bears but couldn't hold them off as for each goal they scored Cal responded with two consecutive goals of its own.

“They were really aggressive,” said Cal sophomore Carla Carrega of the Aztacs. “I don't think at first we thought they would do that but we played good defense and offense and had a good team effort.”

The Bears took a 7-4 lead into halftime and never looked back. Cal's defense limited SDSU to tougher shots. The Aztecs were only able to net one goal in the second half. Though they tried desperately to add a sixth goal and even managed to hit the post a couple times, Cal's goalie Saturday, freshman Madison Tagg, had 10 saves.

The Aztecs cut the lead to three with a third quarter goal but were unable to get any closer as Carrega insured the win for Cal with a fourth quarter goal of her own and Tagg blocked four of SDSU's fourth quarter shots.

“Five is already enough goals,” Carrega said. “It's been a goal for us all year — to not be scored on as much — and today we definitely had that in the back of our minds.”

Sierra Smiley led the team with three goals Saturday and Stephanie Mutafyan and Emily Loughlin were right behind her with two each.

No. 8 Cal 9, No. 18 San Diego State 5

SDSU 2 2 1 0 - 5

Cal     4 3 1 1 - 9

SDSU Goals: Caroline Israels 2, Tayla Walsh 1, Nikole Ferrari 1, Ioli Benekou 1

Cal Goals: Sierra Smiley 3, Stephanie Mutafyan 2, Emily Loughlin 2, Carla Carrera 1, Sarah Siepker

SDSU Saves:  Rachel Mitchell 11

Cal Saves: Madison Tagg 10