BERKELEY, Calif. – Freshman Skylar Richards and seniors Shea Gavin and Madison Theodore each fired two shots, but UC Davis ultimately came up empty in a 2-0 loss to California in non-conference collegiate field hockey action at Underhill Field Friday night. This is the second meeting between the two teams in less than a week's span.
The Aggies, who won the previous matchup by a 2-1 final, even their record to 1-1. The Golden Bears also move to 1-1. Both teams are members of the America East Conference, although their official league matchup does not take place until April 3.
The host Golden Bears controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, outshooting the Aggies by an 8-1 margin before the break. Gavin managed a couple of attempts in the second quarter, including one on frame, but goalkeeper Cato Knipping was there for the save.
The entirety of the match's scoring took place in the third quarter. Cal hit the game's first goal just 40 seconds into the second half, with freshman Sara Stone putting away a second-chance opportunity after Aggie Kelli Wagnon stopped her first attempt. Then in the 44th, the Golden Bears converted a penalty corner: Jane Onners' blast toward the cage was deflected by junior midfielder Brynn Zorilla past Wagnon to bring the score to 2-0.
UC Davis put up three shots late in the contest, including two by the midfielder Theodore. With just under five minutes remaining, the senior managerial economics major picked off a pass near the Bears' 25-yard line and went straight to the cage, only to have her shot sail wide right. Freshman Skylar Richards also fired a pair of attempts on goal in the final frame, only to be turned back by Knipping each time.
Overall, Cal outshot UC Davis by a 13-7 margin. Wagnon finished with four saves while Knipping had three on the opposite end.
The Aggies break for the university's final examinations week, then resumes their spring season with an America East road trip with New Hampshire (Mar. 21), UMass Lowell (Mar. 23) and UAlbany (Mar. 25).
ABOUT UC DAVIS:
With the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, more than 700 student-athletes represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation on one of 25 intercollegiate athletics teams.
UC Davis, a national leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, is centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley; and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
Ranked annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.
