IRVINE – Sophomore Eszter Varro scored two goals and junior Julia Bonaguidi added a goal and an assist but the No. 4 California women's water polo team fell to No. 1 Stanford 14-7 on Saturday during the semifinals of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational.

Sophomore Holly Dunn added an assist and two steals for the Golden Bears (8-1), who will meet No. 3 USC in Sunday's Third Place Game after suffering their first defeat of the 2026 season.

The teams exchanged goals throughout most of the first quarter before the Cardinal notched three in a row to lead 6-3 midway through the second period. Sophomore Maria Bogachenko scored a power play goal to cut the deficit to 6-4 but Stanford reeled off four more in succession to lead 10-4 early in the third.

Bonaguidi's goal just over a minute later trimmed the deficit momentarily, but Cal wouldn't get any closer.

The Third Place Game begins at Noon PT at Anteater Aquatics Complex.


No. 1 Stanford 14, No. 4 California 7
Cal 3 1 1 2 - 7
Stan 4 5 3 2 - 14
Cal Goals: Eszter Varro 2, Julia Bonaguidi, Feline Voordouw, Rosalie Hassett, Abbi Magee, Maria Bogachenko.
Stan Goals: Sienna Green 4, Jenna Flynn 4, Juliette Dhalluin 2, Maggie Hawkins, Quinn Healy, Ella Woodhead, Serena Browne.
Cal Saves: Talia Fonseca 3.
Stanford Saves: Christine Carpenter 11.


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