No. 19 CSUN Falls to No. 2 Cal at Barbara Kalbus Invite

Friday, February 23

Irvine, CA

11:15 a.m.

California State University at Northridge

#2 California

Photo by: Paul Trafecanty

No. 19 CSUN Falls to No. 2 Cal at Barbara Kalbus Invite

2/23/2018 9:40:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

IRVINE, Calif.---No. 19 CSUN Water Polo ran into a buzz saw on Friday morning as No. 2 California defeated the Matadors 17-2 in the opening day of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational at UC Irvine. Senior Paula Abellan Garcia and sophomore Katia Andon-Mateos collected the Matadors' only goals on the day while junior Lindsey Garcia had three steals. In net, sophomore Nathalie Brewster racked up eight saves against the Bears.

Cal jumped all over the Matadors early in the first quarter, scoring twice in the opening minute. The score remained 2-0 until Claire Sonne scored on a power play. The Bears scored again on a goal from Kacey Avalos to push the lead to four after one period.

CSUN was kept off the scoreboard for a second-straight period in the second while Cal picked up goals from Dora Antal, Emma Wright and Carla Carrega. Leading 7-0 at halftime, the Bears extended their lead with four more tallies in the third period to push the lead to 11.

The Matadors finally got on the scoreboard at the 2:09 mark of the fourth period as Abellan Garcia found the back of the net on an even strength possession. Andon-Mateos connected late in the period via a five-meter penalty shot.

For the Bears, 13 different players scored in the match including Antal, Carrega, Sonne and Lauren Charter who all picked up two goals apiece.

Along with her strike, Andon-Mateos earned an assist and a steal. Emma Franck and Shannon Hovanesian also collected two steals in a losing effort.

As a result of the loss, the Matadors will take on No. 11 Loyola Marymount to begin day two of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. The match will be held at Corona del Mar Pool. CSUN will also take on either No. 18 San Jose State or No. 15 UC San Diego in an afternoon match at the event.

CSUN - 0-0-0-2 = 2
Cal - 4-3-4-6 = 17

CSUN goal scorers: Abellan Garcia (11), Andon-Mateos (3)
Cal goal scorers: Antal 2, Carrega 2, Charter 2, Sonne 2, Illes, Rivas, Avalos, Sanders, Lewin, Joustra, DeRose, Wright, Mulder

CSUN saves: Brewster 8 (20)
Cal saves: Tagg 2, Silver 2, Ball