Sept. 28, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior forward Courtney Plaster-Strange scored for Northwestern but it was not enough as the Wildcats lost a 5-1 decision against No. 20 California in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday. As a team Northwestern played the Golden Bears to a statistical dead heat, firing 11 shots to Cal's 12, but could not solve Cal goalkeeper Kelly Knoche, who made five saves in the win.
Plaster-Strange led the 'Cats with three shots on goal and managed to finish off a goal that started off a direct hit in the waning moments of the game. It was her third goal of 2008. Senior Annie Bosslet and junior Stephanie Fortson tallied assists on the play.
Cal received two goals from senior defender Carolina Bistue, including her first of the game at the 9:03 mark of the first half off a direct hit. It remained a one-goal game through halftime, but Bistue struck again just three minutes into the second session off another direct shot.
Kellie York, Gwen Belomy and Ashley Glosz also added second-half goals for the Golden Bears.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Kyle made three saves in the loss for Northwestern.
Head coach Kelly McCollum and NU will look to get back to its winning ways when it travels to Iowa for a Friday afternoon contest against the Hawkeyes followed by a match-up with Missouri State Saturday at 2 p.m.