NEWPORT BEACH – The No. 6 California women's water polo team erased a three-goal deficit in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Barbara Kalbus Invitational Third-Place Game against No. 4 Stanford, but fell just short in a 7-6 defeat.

After the Golden Bears (8-3) entered the final frame trailing 6-3, sophomore Abbi Magee scored on back-to-back possessions to cut the Cardinal's (10-3) lead to just one goal. Cal strung together stops on Stanford's next three possessions.

Senior goalkeeper Isabel Williams made her first of four fourth-quarter saves and the Bears capitalized on the other end to tie things up at 6-6. Junior Elena Flynn tallied her second assist of the day on an equalizing goal by Maryn Dempsey with 3:44 left in the game.

However, after being shut out for the previous eight minutes and change, Stanford quickly answered, regaining the lead on the following play. That proved to be the game winner, as Cal's last shot attempt in the final minute hit the post.

Flynn and Dempsey both finished with two assists to go with one goal. Williams ended her day with 10 saves and a steal.

After seven straight games away from home, the Bears will begin a three-game home stand against Pacific on March 8 at 1 pm. PT at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

No. 4 Stanford 7, No. 6 California 6
Cal 1 2 0 3 – 6
Stan 3 1 2 1 – 7
Cal Goals: Abbi Magee 2, Maryn Dempsey, Elena Flynn, Rozanne Voorvelt, Kate Meyer
Stan Goals: Sophie Wallace 2, Christina Hicks, Sophia Sanders, Kamryn Barone, Skyler Jones, Quinn Healy
Cal Saves: Isabel Williams 10
Stan Saves: Maya Avital 10

STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Cal women's water polo, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWWPolo), Instagram (@calwwpolo) and Facebook (CalWomensWaterPolo).