Dec. 20, 2010

BERKELEY -

Sophomore Lauren Bridges, who scored eight goals in 23 matches for the Cal women's water polo team last year as a freshman, helped the Canadian National Team to a third place finish last weekend at the 2010 Canada Cup International Tournament, held Dec. 15-19 at the Olympic Park's Sports Complex in Montreal.

Bridges, from Calgary (Mulgrave School), competed in all five of Team Canada matches; tallying four assists, two steals, forced two penalty shots, had a field block and scored a goal. She helped Canada to a 16-9 victory over Italy in the third place match with a solid defensive effort, notching a steal, a field block, forcing a penalty shot and a turnover. Bridges had an assist in the final Italy match as well.

A top offensive match for Bridges was Dec. 17 versus Australia when she had a goal and added two assists.

Bridges is one of four Canadians on the Golden Bears' 2011 squad, which also includes 2010 first-team All-American Emily Csikos (junior from Calgary), sophomore Breda Vosters (Winnipeg) and sophomore Kirsten Mase (Port Moody, British Columbia).

Last year, the Bears placed third in the nation after defeating Michigan, 12-8; falling to top-seed Stanford, 6-3; and defeating Loyola Marymount, 11-7, at the NCAA Tournament in San Diego. Cal concluded the 2010 campaign 26-9.

The Bears start their 2011 season Jan. 18 and Jan. 20 with exhibition matches against Team Canada at Spieker Aquatics Complex (times TBA). Cal then starts the regular season Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. versus Cal Baptist at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

The Bears' coach, Richard Corso, was the United States' men's Olympic water polo coach at the 1996 Atlanta Games, and prior to his duties with Team USA, served as men's head coach of the Canadian National Team, which finished fourth at the 1991 Pan American Games.