Cal opens 2026 women’s lacrosse season with 13-12 win over San Diego State at Snapdragon

A one-goal finish in front of a record crowd

California opened its 2026 women’s lacrosse season Friday night, February 6, with a 13-12 nonconference road victory over San Diego State at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The game drew 1,137 spectators, reported as a school-record crowd for the host program at the venue.

The contest remained tight throughout, with neither team holding a lead larger than two goals. It featured nine ties and four lead changes, reflecting a game that repeatedly swung on single possessions and late stops.

Decisive plays in the closing minutes

The final lead change came with 6:01 remaining when Cal’s Maddie Willkomm scored an unassisted goal that stood as the game-winner. San Diego State had tied the game at 12-12 with 8:45 left on a goal by Avery Hoeft, assisted by Courtney Wong.

Cal goalkeeper Lulu Murphy recorded 14 saves in her collegiate debut. Her final stop came in the last minute on a close-range attempt, preserving the one-goal margin through the closing sequence.

Balanced scoring and draw control helped Cal edge ahead

Cal received goals from nine different players, an early indicator of an attack distributing opportunities across the lineup rather than relying on a single primary finisher. Emily Moes led the Bears’ scoring group by recording the team’s first three goals. Wong finished with two goals and four assists for six points and added seven draw controls, a key possession metric that often determines late-game opportunities in close matchups.

Josie Lillquist scored twice for Cal, while Katie Bloomer, Clara Page, Ashleigh Masterson, Hoeft, Katie McMullen and Willkomm each added one goal. Masterson and McMullen logged the first goals of their collegiate careers. Hoeft and Alina Hsu each contributed two assists.

• Final score: California 13, San Diego State 12
• Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
• Game dynamics: nine ties, four lead changes; no lead larger than two goals
• Key late sequence: SDSU tied at 12-12 (8:45); Cal took lead (6:01) and held on

What the result means next

The win moved Cal to 1-0 and marked the program’s fourth consecutive season-opening victory dating back to 2023. Head coach Jennifer Wong also remained unbeaten in season openers in her tenure with the Bears.

Both teams continue their early-season schedules quickly. Cal is set to play at USC on Sunday, February 8, in the Trojans’ season opener. San Diego State’s next game is scheduled for February 12, when the Aztecs host Fairleigh Dickinson at Aztec Field.

In a game defined by frequent ties and short-lived leads, the outcome ultimately hinged on a late unassisted goal and a final-minute save.