March 30, 2006
SAN DIEGO - Seventh-ranked San Diego State dropped its first decision in 10 matches as it fell to No. 6 California, 7-4, in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation contest at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Thursday afternoon. With the loss, the Aztecs fall to 18-6 overall (4-3 MPSF), while the Golden Bears improve to 11-7 (5-2 MPSF).
The league match was close throughout as both teams traded goals over the course of two quarters.
California struck first when Brittani Llorente found the back of the net just 44 seconds into the game. Nearly four minutes elapsed before the Aztecs' Elana Cervantes scored off an Anna Gonzales pass during its first 6-on-5 opportunity to knot the score at one apiece. Cal responded with a Vanessa Lindsey goal, only to have teammate Paige Lorenz pick up a 4-meter penalty 13 seconds later setting up a Stacy Werner goal.
In the second quarter, keeping with the theme of exchanging goals, Llorente scored from the left wing as the Aztec defense broke down with just over four minutes remaining in the half. Later, on a power play opportunity, Gonzales found Werner as she posted her second goal of the contest. The Golden Bears closed the first half with a goal from Allison Gold and a 4-3 lead.
Similar to the start of the match, Cal jumped out of the gates as Lauren McGee created a turnover, raced down the middle of the pool and beat SDSU goalie Sarah Kilgore (eight saves). The goal gave the Bears a two-goal cushion and a lead they would not relinquish. The Aztecs kept within striking distance when Gonzales found Savanah Kelley on a 6-on-5 opportunity coming out of a timeout cutting the Cal lead to 5-4.
In the fourth quarter, San Diego State could not find its offensive rhythm as California used a pressure-style defense to stifle the Aztecs. Meanwhile, the Bears received goals from Elsie Windes and McGee to seal the victory.
SDSU will continue its brief two-match homestand as it welcomes top-ranked Southern California to the Kroc Center on April 1. Match time is set for noon PST.
#6 California 7, #7 San Diego State 4
CAL 2-2-1-2---7SDSU 2-1-1-0---4
California goals: Brittani Llorente 2, Lauren McGee 2, Allison Gold, Vanessa Lindsey, Elsie Windes
San Diego State goals: Stacy Werner 2, Elana Cervantes, Savanah Kelley
California goalie saves: Heather Stuart - 3
San Diego State goalie saves: Sarah Kilgore - 8