Seniors Brock Ivancovich and Andrew Fisher were recognized prior to Saturday's game.

IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine battled third-ranked California to the wire Saturday before the Bears prevailed, 9-6, in a non-conference game on Senior Day at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.

The 'Eaters led 2-1 after one quarter on goals from freshmen Ian Fleenor and Jon Polos, and the game was tied 2-2 at halftime.

Cal (16-3) erupted for six goals in the third period to take an 8-4 lead, but UCI closed to within 8-6 at the 4:46 mark of the fourth quarter after back-to-back goals from Christian Macias and Ryan Warde before the Bears closed it out.

Polos and Warde led UCI (9-12) with a pair of goals each and junior goalie Matej Matijevic registered 13 saves.

Safak Simsek led Cal with four goals and Johnny Hooper added two while goalie Lazar Andric had 11 stops.

Prior to the game, UCI seniors Andrew Fisher and Brock Ivancovich were recognized.

UCI travels to Long Beach State for a Golden Coast Conference game Friday night at 7:00 before competing in the GCC Tournament at Stockton Nov. 18-20.


California         1-1-6-1 --- 9
UC Irvine          2-0-2-2 --- 6

Cal:  Safak Simsek 4, Johnny Hooper 2, Pedro Stellet, Farrel South, Vassilis Tzavaras.

UCI:  Jon Polos 2, Ryan Warde 2, Ian Fleenor, Christian Macias.

Saves:  Lazar Andric (Cal) 11;  Matej Matijevic (UCI) 13.

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