California Golden Bears Athletics
Cal Drops Final Match of Gael Bear Classic Despite Historic Showing From Cari Bohm
8/30/2026 5:06 PM | Volleyball
Cal Suffers First Loss Of The Season
MORAGA, CA— After starting the season 2-0, the California Golden Bears took their first road trip for the final match of the Gael Bear Classic.
Facing off against fellow host, Saint Mary's, who was 1-1 entering Sunday, the Bears never seemed to be able to sustain their momentum. Saint Mary's took the first set, winning 25-23, but then Cal stormed back in the second, winning 25-16.
The Gaels won the third, and seemed to be cruising to victory in the fourth. However, Cal surged back from down 15-10, and ended up winning 25-22 to force a fifth set. In the final set, the Bears found themselves trailing again, with St. Mary's racing to an 8-2 lead, Cal was able to not only cut into the lead, but tie the game at nine.
Unfortunately for the Bears, they didn't have the juice to pull off the comeback, falling 15-13 and losing their first match of the season.
KEY FIGURES
13-The number of total blocks that Illinois transfer Cari Bohm registered on Sunday, tying her with Ellen Orchard (2007 vs. UCLA) for most in a single match in program history.
21-The amount of blocks that Cal totaled as a team, which is good enough to tie for fourth-most all-time.
17- The number of points senior outside hitter Ashley Li finished with.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Bears will stay on the road for their next few matches, as they will be heading to Nacogdoches, Texas for the SFA Tournament.
They will face off against Loyola Chicago on Friday Sept. 4 at 3:00 p.m. PT.
STAY POSTED
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