Nov. 11, 2003

Richmond, Va. - In a battle of two conference champions, No. 20 California edged 10th-ranked Richmond, 2-1, in an NCAA Tournament Play-In game Tuesday afternoon.

The host Spiders entered the match-up as the winners of the Atlantic 10 Conference and as a slight favorite over the Golden Bears.

The weather conditions at the outset of the game (approximately 40 degrees and cloudy) would seem to give the home team a slight advantage, but it was the Bears who vocally and visibly came ready to play early.

In a well played first half by both sides, the Bears left the field on top, 1-0, thanks to a goal by forward Maggie Grimes with 18:42 showing on the clock.

It was a back and forth initial 30 minutes. Each team had its opportunities deep in the other's territory, but neither was able to do much with its field position. The Bears' Achilles heel was errant passes within the half circle in the first stanza. The Spiders' issues revolved around 5-6 goalkeeper Kelly Knapp, who was a stone wall in the first half. Knapp recorded six saves, all within a 10-minute span, and all of the spectacular variety. Samantha Gallop also played an inspired half of field hockey, bailing the Bears out of trouble on several occasions with her dribbling ability.

Richmond came out strong in the second half, raising its level of intensity, while pressuring the ball more and creating scoring opportunities for themselves. The Spiders were able to capitalize on their improved play when Allie Howard scored with 24:14 remaining in the game, forcing the Bears to call timeout.

Out of the timeout, the Bears were able to steal back some of the Spiders' momentum, with great tackling by Jessica Bird and smart game management by co-captain Erin Booth and her backfield mates.

With 9:49 remaining All-American Nora Feddersen scored the go-ahead goal off a penalty corner, which proved to be the game winner.

Knapp recorded 10 saves on the day. Feddersen's game-winning goal was her 15th goal of the year - a new career high for the German native.

The Bears improved its record to 13-3 and will move on to compete this Saturday, Nov. 15, in the first round of the NCAA Field Hockey Championship. Cal's opponent, the site of the game, and the time of the game will be known when the NCAA announces the 16-team tournament field today at 5 p.m. (PT).