Opening Weekend Triumph
The California Golden Bears opened their 2026 campaign with a 4‑2 win over Central Michigan, completing a sweep of the weekend’s two matchups and improving to 1‑0 in the young season.
Liz Klompmaker proved decisive, scoring twice to reach 34 career goals and tying for seventh place on Cal’s all‑time list, while Holly Pears and rookie Jaiya Labana also found the net.
Momentum Shifts
Early in the first period Josefina Moyano set up Klompmaker, who struck quickly, and the Bears maintained pressure until Central Michigan answered with a penalty‑corner goal that narrowed the gap to 2‑1 at halftime.
The third period produced a level score, but Klompmaker’s vision opened space for Pears, whose fourth‑period finish sealed the victory and underscored the team’s depth.
Coach Donna Fong and teammate Tara Danielson praised the squad’s resilience and problem‑solving, noting how the Bears stayed composed despite a late push from their opponents.