BERKELEY – California scored six tries to the Midshipmen's four and the Golden Bears battled through a stout challenge from the United States Naval Academy to emerge with a 33-27 victory in their national quarterfinal Saturday on Witter Rugby Field.
 
Six different student-athletes found the try zone for the Bears before a penalty goal by replacement fullback Elliot Webb (1-for-1) in the 77th minute put the home side's lead just beyond an unconverted try. Cal (21-2) then held on to defeat Navy (10-3) and earn a slot in the national semifinals.
 
The Bears will now play Lindenwood University at 1:30pm PT in Moraga, California, for their April 28 semifinal seeking a berth in the May 5 national collegiate championship.
 
The Team vs. Navy
 
Scoring Timeline vs. Navy
 
9:00 Navy (Michael Samaniego) 5
 
26:00 Zac Tavenner 5
 
30:00 Navy (Connor McNerney) 3
 
32:00 Justin Dunn 5
 
38:00 Navy (Sam Davis) 5, (Connor McNerney) 2
 
Halftime score: California 15, Navy 10
 
45:00 Jack Iscaro 5
 
48:00 Navy (Connor McNerney) 5
 
52:00 Nic Mirhashem 5
 
55:00 Brian Joyce 5
 
57:00 Aidan Flynn 5
 
63:00 Navy (Frederick Bleakley) 5, (Connor McNerney) 2
 
78:00 Elliot Webb 3
 
Final score: California 33, Navy 27
 
15. Flynn (E. Webb @ 71:00), 14. Tavenner, 13. Dyer, 12. Andrade, 11. Dunn, 10. Lockyear (Howells @ 77:00), 9. Kurihara, 1. Sullivan (Baylor @ 77:00), 2. Joyce (Ogburn @ 59:00), 3. Iscaro, 4. Casey, 5. Bader (Heaney @ 68:00), 6. Spradling, 7. Mirhashem , 8. Robles