BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—No. 4 California took advantage of seven CSU Bakersfield turnovers in the second quarter as the Bears defeated the Roadrunners 11-6 in MPSF water polo action Saturday afternoon.

Katie Benson (So., La Crescenta, Calif., Crescenta Valley HS) scored a pair of 6-on-5 goals for the Roadrunners in the first period as the teams were tied at two upon the conclusion of the frame.

“This was our best MPSF start,” said CSUB head coach Jason Gall. “We knew that they were going to come out and press hard and worked on it during the week. But we didn't protect the ball as well as we should have. It got better as the game went on.”

Cal's defense made five steals in the second quarter and forced two CSUB offensive fouls. The Bears took the lead on Dora Antal's second goal of the match 2:35 into the second. The Roadrunners kept it close, but Cal scored three times in the final 1:55 of the first half to lead by four at halftime.

The Bears (15-4, 2-1 MPSF) outscored the 'Runners 3-2 in the third. With Cal leading by five, Kristen Jensen (So., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Los Osos HS) posted the first of her two 6-on-5 goals 2:18 into the fourth quarter to bring CSUB to within four. That would be as close as the Roadrunners would get. Cal scored twice more in the final stanza to win by five.

“We can't let our opponents to go on four or five goal runs,” Gall said. “Overall, I'm pleased where we are heading into the USC game.”

Antal led all scorers with three goals.  Tiera Schroeder and Anna Iles each scored twice for the Bears. In addition to Benson and Jensen, CSUB received goals from Bridgette Souza (R-Sr., La Jolla, Calif., Sonoma State) and Ashley Paz (Fr., Upland, Calif., Upland HS). Cal outshot the Roadrunners 35-14. Brittany Tyra (Jr., Grass Valley, Calif., Sierra College) made seven saves for CSUB. Bears' goalie Madeline Trabucco made three saves.

The Roadrunners (12-12, 0-3 MPSF) host USC on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at the Hillman Aquatics Complex.  The Women of Troy (18-2, 1-1 MPSF) are ranked third in the current CWPA Top 20 poll. Admission is free to watch CSUB and USC. The Roadrunners will honor its senior class prior to the start of the match.

Cal          2 4 3 2         11

CSUB     2 0 2 2          6

Cal Goals-Antal 3, Schroder 2, Illes 2, Saunders 2, Tarrago 1, Williams 1

CSUB Goals-Jensen 2, Benson 2, Paz 1, Souza 1

Cal Saves-Trabucco 3

CSUB Saves-Tyra 7, Wahlstrom 3