WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Despite maintaining the lead and momentum through most of the game, California's 3-2 lead was erased in the final minutes against No. 20 Monmouth. The Hawks scored two late goals in the fourth quarter, and Monmouth defeated the Golden Bears, 4-3, in the semifinals of the America East Tournament. 

Cal's season ends with a final record of 8-11.

The first half featured a lot of offense as Monmouth scored in the first 30 seconds of the game.

"It was an awesome game, back and forth, end to end," head coach Shellie Onstead said. "There was a lot of shooting and a lot of scoring. It was a really complete game. It was kind of what you'd want out of your team in this situation. I really felt confident we could win this one, even after giving up the early goal. I was very happy with how they played all day long."

Lindsay Mathison answered to tie the game at one just minutes before the Hawks regained a 2-1 lead. A penalty stroke by Katrina Carter evened the game at two before Maddie Cleat gave Cal a 3-2 lead in the second quarter. Onstead was pleased with the work rate from the forwards throughout the game. 

The third quarter was scoreless, as was the fourth until Monmouth tied the game with 2:30 left in regulation, and the Hawks later scored the gamewinner with 50 seconds left. 

"We actually had quite a bit of momentum in the fourth quarter," Onstead said. "We had some really good scoring opportunities, and we had them on their back foot. They were turning the ball over a lot. With three minutes to go, I was feeling confident that we would be able to kill the clock. They got a couple of opportunities, and both of the goals they scored late were really well-executed on their part. I give them credit for getting it done, and that's what's great about this game is that you're never really out of it. We put ourselves in a position to get into the final. Hats off to Monmouth."

Onstead praised Cato Knipping for playing a spectacular game in goal. The true freshman made seven saves and played strong throughout the contest, thwarting Monmouth scoring chances. 

Onstead added that she and her coaching staff are really proud of the seniors and wish them well in the future. 

"It's always a difficult moment when you have to acknowledge to the seniors that they're done," Onstead said. "I was really proud of them, and they did everything we asked of them. That's all any coach can ask for. They should feel proud of themselves for leaving it all on the field."

Brynn Zorilla and Lindsay Mathison were named to the all-tournament team.