Cal Falls to No. 4 Northwestern, 5-1

BERKELEY - The California field hockey team played its fourth ranked team in seven games this season, but the Golden Bears fell to No. 4 Northwestern, 5-1, Sunday at Underhill Field.

Cal fell to 4-3 on the year as the Bears closed out non-conference play. 

"I knew we were facing a really strong offensive team today," said the Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead. "Our defense played really well. Most of their goals came from counter attacks, and that's a little bit of a different problem to solve. I'm disappointed in the score line, but we learned a ton. We're more resolved to bring this kind of pace to our training."

After Northwestern got on the board in the first quarter, Sara Stone tied the game when she scored in the second quarter, deflecting a shot by Maddie Cleat in the cage. Cleat earned an assist on the goal. 

The Wildcats added one more to take a 2-1 lead at halftime before scoring three unanswered goals in the third quarter. 

In addition to Stone, Rachel Buttinger and Jane Onners posted shots on goal. 

Once again filling in for Cato Knipping, Lyndsay Swanston made a season-high five saves. 

The Bears open America East Conference play next week with the opener slated for Friday, Sept. 24, at noon PT at New Hampshire.