Bulldogs fall to Cal in home opener

Friday, March 5

Fresno, CA

5:00 PM PT

Fresno State

Cal

Photo by: CARY EDMONDSON - FRESNO STATE

Bulldogs fall to Cal in home opener

3/5/2021 9:30:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Savannah Stoeckle / Strategic Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State lacrosse team put up a tough fight, but fell to Cal 14-12 in the 2021 home opener at the Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium on Friday night. The Bulldogs fall to 1-4 on the season.

Fresno State was led by Hannah Krats who scored four goals on the night, highlighted by a hat trick in the first six minutes of play. Sydney Skalstad and Logann Eldredge each had three goals apiece, and Hennessey Evans and Hannah Etheridge scored one. Defensively, senior goalkeeper Courtney Walburger chalked 10 saves against the Cal offense that fired off 32 shots.

Fresno State had the advantage in shots, ground balls, clear attempts, free-position goals and caused turnovers.

The 2021 meeting between the teams continued the trend of no team winning by more than two goals as the last four meetings have been decided by two goals or less.

How it Happened
Cal scored the opening goal in the first minute of play. After the first score for the Bears, the Bulldog defense locked in and forced a Cal shot clock violation and regained some momentum on the offensive as Krats scored her first of the game on the assist from Eldredge. Cal responded with back-to-back goals but Krats did the same on her own to tie the game at three apiece with 23:57 left on the clock in the first half.

Cal and Fresno State went back-and-forth scoring two goals at a time for what time was left in the first half. The 'Dogs saw two straight goals from Elderedge, and two from Skalstad and one from Evans to close out the half.

In the first 30 minutes of play, the score had been tied seven times with both teams having eight goals apiece at the break.

The Bears opened the second half with four unanswered goals in a 17 minute span. Fresno State's first score of the second half was the first of her Bulldog career as freshman Etheridge scored on the fast break from Skalstad off the draw.

After the score from Etheridge, neither team had a chance to score a regular offensive goal for the remainder of the game as the final five goals of the game were all free-position scores. Fresno State found answers to Cal goals, but could not find a way to get closer than two goals away.

Up Next - The Bulldogs have a week free of a game before they return home to host UC Davis (4-1, 1-0 MPSF) in the MPSF opener. The teams met in the season-opener this season in a non-conference battle. The Aggies defeated the 'Dogs 20-12 in Davis on Feb. 14. The game will be played inside Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, March 13 with a 2 p.m. opening draw.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

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