April 6, 2002

BERKELEY, Calif. - The University of California women's water polo team extended its home winning streak to five and its consecutive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation victories to four, as the team defeated Long Beach State, 11-5, at Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley today.

Freshman sensation Jodie Needles had four goals for the Bears, while Ericka Lorenz added three. Goalie Lauren Dennis blocked nearly every shot that came her way, stopping 11 on the afternoon, including seven in the second half.

Cal got started slowly in the first half, as the 49ers held a 3-1 advantage until midway through the second quarter. Needles, however, had something to say about that. Scoring her first of the day, she lit a fire under the Bears, as the team scored two in the waning moments of the half to close the gap to 4-3 at halftime.

Needles would break the ice again in the third frame for Cal, tying the score at four apiece with 6:21 left in the period. That keyed a five-goal period, which allowed Cal to pull away. Needles would score again in the fourth, as the team held Long Beach to a single score in the period, thanks to Dennis' antics in front of the cage.

The Bears will travel to Palo Alto to take on the Stanford Cardinal on Friday. The team returns to Berkeley on Saturday to close out its 2002 home slate against San Jose State in an MPSF match. Opening sprint is set for noon.

RECAP
Cal: 13-6, 7-2
LBSU: 10-7, 3-4

SCORING
Cal: Needles 4, Lorenz 3, Cesnik 2, Mosby, Fleener
LBSU: Richardson 2, Wawezyrsk, Gordin, Black

SAVES
Cal: Dennis 11
LBSU: Hawkins 4