BERKELEY – The California field hockey team scored the game's opening goal and dominated possession for extensive periods of the contest, unfortunately, No. 16 Rutgers came away with a 2-1 win on Monday afternoon at Underhill Field.
 
"I'm really proud of what they could bring the field after a long weekend," said Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead. "Both teams had played three games in four days. We decided ahead of time as a group that that wasn't going to be part of the conversation. Meaning, I didn't see the fatigue. I'm proud of them for just digging in and giving a tremendous effort. I'm just really impressed with the growth from Friday to Monday."
 
Cal (0-3) finished the day with 10 shots, six coming after the intermission. Cal also had eight penalty corners, six coming in the fourth quarter. Bente Baekers scored the game's opening goal in the fourth minute, scoring on a fast break following a Scarlet Knight turnover. The goal by Baekers is her first goal as a Golden Bear and the 87th for the former Northwestern player. With her three points on the season, the Cal graduate student now has 200 career points becoming just the 27th player in NCAA history to score 200 or more points.
 
"She's been a really positive and calm influence," said Onstead of Baekers. "She leads by example because her work ethic is great and she never gives up. Sometimes you have to carry a heavy burden when you have that kind of reputation. She's quite humble and I'm just really happy with what she brings to the group. I'm happy she got some payoff today."
 
Rutgers (3-0) got the equalizer four minutes later when Puck Winter scored on the first penalty corner of the afternoon for the visitors. Rutgers finished the day with 15 shots, eight in the first half, and had four penalty corners, none after the third quarter.
 
The two sides went into the intermission knotted up at 1-1. Rutgers broke the tie in the 42nd minute when Guillermina Causarano scored an unassisted game-winner.
 
The Bears' defense once again turned in a stellar effort. Maria Cambra Soler and Cato Geusgens both recorded defensive saves. Sophomore keeper Tina Jolly notched five saves, including a save on a penalty stroke late in the second quarter.
 
"Five saves today from Tina. She's getting better every day," said Onstead. "What we are seeing is the growth of a young keeper and she's going to continue to get better every day. I'm really proud of her."
 
Cal returns to action Friday when No. 5 Penn State comes to Underhill. The contest against the Nittany Lions will be the finale of a season-long four-game homestand and the third consecutive contest against a team in the NFHCA Top-20. Friday's contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. PT and will be streamed on the Cal Livestream.
 
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