The California Golden Bears women’s field hockey team lost its season opener to Monmouth on Friday morning at So Sweet a Cat Field in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Despite outshooting Monmouth 20-14, the Bears managed only eight shots on goal compared to the Hawks’ 12 and ultimately fell by a score of 7-2.
Monmouth scored first just 39 seconds into the game and held a 3-0 lead before Cal responded. Victoria Beiro put the Golden Bears on the board with their first goal of the season, assisted by Lieve Schalk and Zara Schmitz, at the 6:54 mark in the second period. Monmouth added another goal with 37 seconds left in the half, leading 4-1 at halftime.
In the fourth period, Josefina Moyano set up Maya Hoepfner for Cal’s second goal at 13:37. Liz Klompmaker led all players with seven shots, including two on goal. The Bears earned six penalty corners during the match while Monmouth had five.
“We may be a little surprised by the score line, but we are confident that the circumstances that led to this outcome will not repeat themselves,” said Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead. “I am happy with the team for sticking together through a tough test. They kept their work rate up and worked through to the end. I would be more concerned if their non hockey agreements fell apart. We are fine. On to Delaware.”
The Golden Bears will continue their road trip and face Delaware on Sunday at 9 a.m. PT.
For updates on Cal field hockey, fans can follow team coverage on Twitter (@CalFieldHockey), Instagram (@CalFieldHockey), and Facebook (/CalFH/).
