California Lacrosse Team Falls to USC in Nonconference Matchup

LOS ANGELES – The California Golden Bears women’s lacrosse team faced off against the USC Trojans in an action-packed nonconference game at Rawlinson Stadium, where they ultimately lost 16-9 despite a strong start.

Game Overview

The Golden Bears (1-1) demonstrated resilience early in the match, establishing a 6-4 lead after impressive performances from Courtney Wong and Emily Moes. Wong and Moes each netted four goals, with Wong achieving a career-high and Moes hitting her season-best. Their efforts were complemented by contributions from Willow Cyr and Josie Lillquist, who also had solid outings.

Scoring Highlights

The match began on a high note for California, as Wong and Moes showcased their scoring prowess, accounting for the Bears’ initial six goals within the first 21 minutes. However, as the game progressed, the Bears struggled to maintain their early momentum, scoring only three more goals after the first half. Ashleigh Masterson joined Wong and Moes on the score sheet, providing a much-needed lift, but it was not enough to counter USC’s offensive strategies.

The Trojans swiftly regained control after halftime, capitalizing on their lead and extending it to four goals, making it difficult for California to recover.

USC’s Offensive Power

On the opposing side, USC (1-0) had an impressive offensive showcase, led by Vivian Leuthold, who matched Wong and Moes’ tally with four goals. Key contributions came from Reese Robinson and Kaylee Fravert, both adding three goals each, while other players like Skylar May and Sydney Stewart found the back of the net. Emma Bunting not only scored but also facilitated plays with four assists, showcasing her dual-threat capability.

Charlotte Morton held her ground in the goal for USC, recording nine saves against California’s 16 shots on target, sealing the victory for the Trojans.

Upcoming Matches

The Golden Bears are set to face the Florida State Seminoles (1-0, 0-0 ACC) next, in what will be their home opener and first contest in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2026. The match is scheduled for February 13 at 3:00 PM at California Memorial Stadium. Fans eager to catch the action can follow along through ACCNX or ESPN+.

Stay Updated

For more details about the Golden Bears and their upcoming matches, visit the California Women’s Lacrosse page.

With these insights into California’s performance against USC, the Golden Bears will aim to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge against Florida State.‍