BERKELEY - Kirsten Swanson collected a hat trick and Susie Ropp scored twice, but the California women's lacrosse team lost to Connecticut, 17-8, Tuesday night from Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium. The Golden Bears fell to 1-7 on the year. 

After the Huskies jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game, Cal started to make some noise on the scoreboard, as well, with Swanson's first goal at the 19:44 mark. Ropp scored both of her goals in the first half, but the Huskies still went into the locker room with a 9-4 lead. 

The Bears best offensive stretch of the game was at the start of the second half when Swanson scored back-to-back goals. Four minutes later, Kate Mattimore scored to cut the UConn lead down to three at 10-7. 

With just under eight minutes remaining, a tally from Eliza Christman made it 11-8, but the Bears couldn't get any closer as the Huskies scored the final six goals of the contest. 

Jenny Wilkens made 10 saves, with seven coming in the first half, good for her fourth double-digit save performance of the season. Adding to the defensive effort was Sara Nolte, who collected three ground balls and three draws. Wheatley Raabe also garnered three ground balls. 

The Bears close out their five-game homestand against Marquette on Thursday, March 16, at 3 p.m. from Kabam Field.