Stanford, Calif. — No. 13 LMU (4-3) dropped their opening game in the MPSF Invitational 20-9 against No. 4 Cal (7-0) on Friday, September 18th. The Lions were unable to recover from an early deficit after the nation's fourth-ranked team came out on fire.

Cal built a 6-1 lead after the first quarter and led 12-4 at halftime, and LMU never got closer than the eight-goal margin it trailed by for most of the night. The Lions were outscored 12-4 in the first half and 8-5 over the final two quarters, a smaller gap in the second half but not enough to threaten a comeback. LMU shot just 36% for the game (9-of-25) against a Cal defense and goaltending tandem that limited good looks.

Luka Dimic was LMU's top offensive threat, scoring four goals on five shots. Eduardo Carraresi, Mateo Obando, Caden Poulleau, Soren Martin and Roman Saroyan each scored once, with Saroyan adding an assist. Adrian Ramirez made eight saves in net, but Cal's 20 goals on 28 attempts (71.4%) proved too much to overcome.

Cal's offense was efficient throughout, led by three goals apiece from Chase Wilson and Beso Akhvlediani. Alex Oprea, Wyatt Williamson, Tomas Perrone, Patrik Kolak and Seth Bousfield each scored twice. Aran Pina and Riley Clansen shared time in goal for the Golden Bears and combined for 12 saves.

LMU falls to 4-3 on the season and continues play at the MPSF Invitational, looking to get back in the win column tomorrow.