There will be a lot of blue and gold on the field in the 2019 season opener for the California lacrosse team. The Golden Bears host Michigan to kick off the new campaign on Friday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m. from California Memorial Stadium. Two days later, Cal hosts former MPSF foe Denver on Sunday, Feb, 10 at noon in Berkeley. 

The Bears have their top four point scorers and seven of the top eight returning from 2018, in addition to the return of four-year starter and team captain Jenny Wilkens in goal to lead the defense. 

Kirsten Swanson returns after pacing the Bears in scoring last season with 56 points on 43 goals and 13 assists.  

Cal gained some international experience in a preseason tuneup on Jan. 24 when the Bears hosted the English National Team for an exhibition game at Memorial Stadium. The English were 12-6 winners. 

The Bears are seeking their first win over the Wolverines, as Michigan leads the all-time series, 3-0. The last meeting took place in Berkeley in 2017. 

Having met many times when they were in the MPSF Conference together prior to Cal joining the Pac-12 in 2018, Denver leads the all-time series against Cal, 14-10. Cal and Denver met in the 2017 season opener in Berkeley. 

In the 2018 season opener, Cal defeated UC Davis, 11-9, in Davis.