SALT LAKE CITY – California appeared acclimated to the colder temperatures as it began its Pac-12 slate on Friday at Dumke Family Softball Stadium, the home of the Utah Utes.
 
The Golden Bears (18-8) looked to extend their 11-game winning streak as they bolted to a 2-0 lead in the first inning as senior shortstop Lindsay Rood led off with a single and Amani Bradley reached on a fielder's choice that resulted in an error to put Rood at the hot corner.
 
Sophomore Mikayla Coelho brought the top two of the lineup home on a double to left center and the Bears looked to find their stride in their Pac-12 opener.
 
Unfortunately, Cal was not able to hold on as Zoe Conley (4-5) struggled in the circle giving up six hits, including a home run and triple, to allow the Utes (12-13) to bring in five runs and hold onto the lead the remainder of the game. Conley recorded four strikeouts, but gave up four walks to add pressure on herself.
 
Frustrated after a pair of four consecutive scoreless halves, including back-to-back three-up, three-down innings in the third and fourth, the Bears battled back late in hopes of extending play.
 
Cal cut its lead to one after Jordan Fines got the RBI single on a hit through the right side and Coelho brought Rood home again with two outs. Rood, who went 3-for-4 on the day, singled to get things started late in the seventh, but the Bears ultimately fell 5-4 after an eight-pitch hard-fought fly out by Lauren Espalin concluded things.
 
The loss clips the Bears 11-game win streak that dated back to Feb. 24.
 
Cal continues the series Saturday at 1 p.m. (PT). The game will be live streamed on Pac-12.com with live stats available on StatBroadcast.
 
For more information on Cal softball, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CalSB.