BERKELEY – Senior All-American Brigit Mulder scored four goals and the No. 6 Cal women's water polo team handed No. 1 USC its first second-half deficit of the season, but the Trojans ultimately prevailed 12-9 in an MPSF showdown at Spieker Aquatics Complex on Sunday.

A day after falling behind early in a 17-11 loss to USC, the Bears (5-4, 0-4 MPSF) stayed even with the Trojans throughout most of the contest. The score was tied at 6-6 at halftime and USC led 9-8 at the end of the third quarter. But after Mulder's final score of the day brought Cal to within one with 1:10 left in the third quarter, the Bears didn't score again until there was less than a minute to play in the game to cut the Trojans' lead to 11-9. USC added a goal with one second left to finish out the scoring.

Senior All-American Claire Sonne scored on a lob with 6:20 remaining in the third quarter to put Cal in front 7-6, the first time this season the Trojans have trailed other than the opening moments of a game. But USC answered with three goals in succession to go back in front.

Verica Bakoc scored seven goals for the Trojans, matching the season-high in the conference this season.

Senior All-American goalie Cassidy Ball made 11 saves for Cal while sophomore Cecily Turner had a goal, two assists and two steals.

The Bears' first four MPSF games this season have come against the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the nation. Cal has a bye next week before returning to Spieker Aquatics Complex on April 3-4 to host No. 4 Arizona State.