BERKELEY - Behind six points on five goals from Jena Fritts, the California women's lacrosse team snapped its losing streak and defeated Marquette, 18-11, Thursday afternoon from Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium. The Golden Bears improved to 2-7 on the season. 

"It was definitely a team attack," head coach Brooke Eubanks said. "They were targeting our more veteran players. They were really aware of them sliding early, so our other players really stepped up and each put a couple in the back of the net. That was huge. We looked at a lot of film of ourselves, as opposed to just focusing on the opponent. We really focused on what we needed to change, and not so much who we were going up against."

In its last four games combined, Cal has scored 61 goals. 

"It's ironic because we're coming off of three games in six days, so you'd think this would be our most tired game," Eubanks said. "But they were energetic and hard-working. It was definitely a battle of heart and hustle today."

Cal came out determined, scoring six of the first seven goals. Fritts and Kate Mattimore scored four of those six tallies. Mattimore ended the day with a hat trick. 

Marquette got back in the game with a four-goal streak from the end of the first half into the beginning of the second half. The Eagles cut the Cal lead to one at 8-7 with 25 minutes remaining in regulation. The Bears followed suit with four straight goals of their own to maintain control of the game. 

The Bears outshot the Eagles, 38-29, collected 19 draws to Marquette's 12 and garnered 18 ground balls to 16 for the Eagles. 

In goal, Jenny Wilkens collected 12 saves, her 11th career double-digit save performance and her fifth this season. 

"She is the backbone of the team, whether it's going our way or not." Eubanks said. "She gives us a ton of opportunities. She's composed. We rely on her a ton, not only to keep the ball out of the net, but also to be the spark for our offense and getting it down to their end."

Fritts continues to be the team leader in points, now with 33 on the season. Her 26 goals also pace the Bears. 

Meredith Haggerty was once again a workhorse, defensively. She ended the day with four ground balls, three draws and caused two turnovers. Chloe Landry led the Bears in draws with five. 

Freshman Caitlin McCarthy scored her first career goal on a free-position shot at the 23:14 mark in the second half. 

The Bears have next week off before heading to Southern California for their next three games. Cal faces San Diego State on Sunday, March 26, at 12 p.m.

"It's perfect timing because, besides Brown, we're going into conference games now," Eubanks said. "We've reached the midpoint and we have a week off now. We were 2-7 in the first part of the season, and I'm hoping to get more wins than losses in the second half."