California Golden Bears Athletics

BERKELEY – Senior Antzela Dempi had 12 kills and a career-high 10 digs and junior Carmen Annevelink added 10 kills but the Cal volleyball team fell to No. 14 USC 25-18, 25-14, 25-22 on Friday night at Haas Pavilion.

Freshman Mima Mirkovic added six kills and 11 digs for the Golden Bears (13-15, 4-13 Pac-12) and freshman Preslie Anderson had five kills and two blocks.

Cal fell behind 8-4 in the first set but came back to take a 16-14 lead. The Trojans responded with six consecutive points to take control. 

The Bears came out inspired after the intermission and established an 8-5 lead in the third set. USC came back to take an 18-15 lead but Cal answered with three straight points to tie it up. The Bears still were within 22-20 before the Trojans finally went on to close it out.

Dempi also moved into sole possession of eighth place on Cal's all-time single season aces list with her 48th of the season.

Cal returns to action Sunday against No. 18 UCLA at 2:30 p.m. at Haas Pavilion. The match will air on the Pac-12 Networks.