BERKELEY  - After enjoying the first three games of the 2018 season in Northern California, the California women's lacrosse team embarks on its first road trip this season. The Golden Bears (2-1) head to the east coast to face UConn and UMass-Lowell this week on Friday, Feb. 23, and Sunday, Feb. 25, respectively. 

Cal is seeking its first 3-1 start since the 2007 campaign. The Bears defeated UC Davis in the season opener and they enjoyed a 10-goal victory over Mercer in their most-recent contest last Sunday in Berkeley. 

In addition to having seven different goal scorers in the 18-8 victory against Mercer, Cal also caused 11 turnovers and forced Mercer to total 18 turnovers for the game. 

A major influence on the collective defensive front was the play of Elizabeth Koehler. The senior team captain garnered Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors for her efforts which included two caused turnovers, five draws and three ground balls. On the season, Koehler has totaled 14 draws, six ground balls and two caused turnovers.  

Also against Mercer, Jenny Wilkens secured four ground balls, giving her 94 for her career and that total ties her for seventh in school history. Gaby Christman (2012-15) is sixth with 100. Hilary Lynch (2004-07) is the school career record holder with 162. Her 10 ground balls this season pace her squad. 

Offensively, nine different Bears have netted goals in 2018, and eight of those nine have scored on multiple occasions. Four Bears tallied hat tricks against Mercer. Kirsten Swanson had five points on the day as she also collected two assists. 

Not only the veteran players are contributing to the offensive success. True freshmen Marisa Kuberra and Nikki Zaccaro have found the scoresheet on multiple occasions. Through three games, Kuberra has totaled six goals on eight shots while Zaccaro has accumulated five points (three goals and two assists) and 11 shots. 

The Bears are 1-4 all-time against UConn, while this will be the first meeting between Cal and UMass-Lowell. The Huskies are 1-2 with losses coming against No. 4 Syracuse and No. 8 James Madison. UMass-Lowell opens its season on Wednesday against Boston U. 

Cal will take over the NCAA Lacrosse Instagram Story for the second time this year on Feb. 25. Follow @NCAALAX on IG all day as the Bears give you an inside look at what a day in the life on a road game is like.