Cal Ties Oregon, Falls to U.S. Teams in Exhibitions
BEAVERTON, Ore. – California got a good look at the top lacrosse talent in the United States when it played the U.S. Elite and U.S. Developmental National Teams as part of U.S. Lacrosse's Stars & Stripes Weekend Oct. 6-7 at the Tualatin Hills Park and Athletic Center. The Golden Bears, whose new season starts in February, played both U.S. teams along with MPSF opponent Oregon during the two-day long festival, which included Stanford and four high school clubs.
While Cal tied conference foe Oregon, 7-7, on Oct. 7, it lost to the U.S. Elite Team, 19-1, on Oct. 6 and the U.S. Developmental Team, 16-0, on Oct. 7. Cal actually had a 1-1 tie with the U.S. Elite Team on junior Sam Price's goal set up by senior Brittany Aungier within the first five minutes of that game, before the national team forged ahead.
"This weekend was an eye-opening experience for our team," Cal head coach Theresa Sherry said. "It was great for our players to feel the pressure from the U.S. teams at both ends of the field, and to see the effort and precision it takes to play at the highest level in the world. It was also fun to play against Oregon on Sunday afternoon, and especially helpful for our freshmen to experience the emotion involved in games against conference opponents.
"We learned a lot about ourselves as a group this weekend and have a new standard to live up to after showing some moments of brilliance up there in Portland. We are excited to get back to the practice field and put together a full game of excellent moments."
Cal opens its 2008 season with a home match against three-time defending NCAA champion Northwestern at 12:00 p.m. on February 17 at Memorial Stadium.
Stars & Stripes Weekend Exhibitions
October 6
U.S. Elite Team 19, California 1
October 7
U.S. Developmental Team 16, California 0
Oregon 7, California 7
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