Bears Shut Out Vermont, 2-0

BURLINGTON, VT - Winners of three of its last four, the California field hockey team defeated Vermont, 2-0, Sunday afternoon on the Vermont campus. 

The Golden Bears improved to 7-4, 3-1 on the year.  

"I knew this trip would be extra special with the long travel between locations," said the Donna Fong Director of Field Hockey Shellie Onstead. "We knew Maine would be super tough on Friday, so this was a really important Sunday. It was a 12 pm local start today, so we tried to prepare for that with some early morning practices back home. The team was frustrated with their performance on Friday, so I liked the reset for today. They brought it today, and the result was good. It was a close game."

Cal got on the board first when the Bears successfully converted on a penalty corner. Jane Onners slapped home the shot for her second goal of the season. Megan Connors and Claire Hind picked up assists. It was Connors' second assist of the season and Hind's first career point. 

The Bears picked up an important insurance goal in the third quarter. A midfield turnover allowed for an outlet downfield pass to Maddie Cleat who got around her defender and whacked a shot in the cage to make it 2-0, Bears. It was Cleat's third goal of the season. She also paced the Bears with three shots on goal. 

"That was a sweet goal," Onstead said. "Maddie brought a real fire today. She was sliding and diving for balls all day today. It was great to see."

Cato Knipping earned her fourth shutout of the season, and the seventh in her career. She made six saves on the day. 

Connors and Makaela Hoang notched two shots on goal. 

Cal fought off 14 corners for the Catamounts to only four for the Bears. 

Cal returns to Northern California, but remains on the road, taking on UC Davis on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. in Davis.