April 11, 2008

STANFORD, Calif. - The No.6 California women's water polo team lost a 6-5 physical battle to No. 2 Stanford on Friday evening at Avery Aquatics Center in the annual Big Splash. The Golden Bears fall to 15-9 overall and 6-6 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation while the Cardinal brings its winning streak to nine games at 21-3 and 9-1 in the MPSF.

Stanford was called for its two ejections within the first three seconds of the game and senior defender Molly Hayes capitalized on the six-on-four by converting the man-advantage opportunity at 7:14 of the first period. In the second stanza, sophomore Stephanie Schnugg scored, and Meghan Corso tied the game at three off a five-meter penalty shot.

Defense on both sides of the pool dominated the third quarter, but Stanford managed to give itself a two-goal advantage heading into the final period. Just 49 seconds into the final quarter, junior Paige Lorenz halved the Stanford lead with a goal. Stanford scored with a 6-on-5 goal with 5:27 left to play in regulation. Cal's Camille Hewko brought the Bears within one with 3:28 to play but it was not enough. Neither team put one through for the remaining minutes, and Stanford came away with the conference victory.

Cal hosts Cal State Bakersfield in a nonconference game Saturday evening at Spieker Aquatics Complex with the first sprint slated for 7 p.m. The event is free to all spectators as a part of Cal Day. The match will be the final home game for seniors defender Molly Hayes, utility Katya Eadington, goalie Heather Stuart and undergraduate assistant coach Vanessa Lindsey.

Goals by period	1	2	3	4	F
California	1	2	0	2	5
Stanford		2	1	2	1	6 

Stanford goals: Hillman 3, Eaton, Silver, West
California: Meghan Corso, Molly Hayes, Camille Hewko, Paige Lorenz, Stephanie Schnugg
Stanford saves: Oland 13
California saves: Heather Stuart 7