SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The California field hockey team scored early and often as it defeated host Bryant 8-1 on Sunday afternoon at the Bryant Field Hockey Complex. The eight goals scored are a program best by the Golden Bears in an America East contest.
 
Cal (5-7, 2-3 America East) scored four goals in the first quarter and continued the offensive fireworks throughout the contest. The Bears outshot Bryant 20-5, including a 15-2 shots-on-goal advantage.

"I'm proud of the team because we had to do some soul-searching after Friday," Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead said. "They determined that some of our issues had to do with connections during the game and that could be addressed off the field and they did a lot of hard work. As we sorted that out Friday the coaches went to work to debrief on Saturday in smaller groups and a lot of learning happened. It can take a while for a team to come together but we have a short season, so I challenged our team to accelerate this cohesion. So, I applaud them for really buying in and doing the work."
 
The tone was set quickly as Merel Hanssen scored the contest's opening goal – and her second of the year – in the third minute. Late in the period, the Bears continued their steady pressure on the Bulldogs (5-7, 0-4) scoring a trio of goals in the final four minutes. Daniella Rhodes scored in the 12th minute, Kiki de Bruijne scored a minute later and Bente Baekers scored the fourth goal of the first frame in the 14th minute to put the Bears out front early. Rhodes and Baekers scored one more goal apiece later in the contest, giving them two for the day and 10 each on the year.
 
The second quarter picked up where the first quarter ended. Rhodes had a shot on goal early in the period and eventually scored her second goal of the contest on a penalty stroke in the 20th minute. The goal by Rhodes was her 66th career goal and her second multi-goal game as a Bear.
 
The first half ended with Cal owning a 9-2 advantage in shots. Tina Jolly (5-7) had a quiet opening half but notched a save on the only shot she faced in the first half. Audrey Post replaced Jolly in the second half.
 
Bryant scored its only goal in the 36th minute when Brittany Gouws scored on a penalty corner. Holly Pears, Olivia Sharratt and Baekers all scored goals in the second half to help the Bears run away.
 
The Bears return to Northern California next Saturday for an America East contest against UC Davis. The contest against the Aggies is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. PT and will feature live stats and video.  
 
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