October 7, 2005
Berkeley, CA - The UC Berkeley Men's Lacrosse team opened its fall season with a scrimmage against the St. May's Gales at Maxwell field on October 7th. The Golden Bears scored early and often in an 11-5 rout of the St. Mary’s Gales.

In the first half the Bears experienced defense held the Gales to one goal while the rookie offense put in eight goals. The offense was balanced throughout the game with 9 different players scoring goals. The Bears were lead by last season’s leading scorer, Sophomore Midfielder Gene Pontes, who had two goals and one assist. Also with two goals was Junior Midfielder, Kyle Stalnaker. Four freshmen earned their first college points; Rickey Pentella, David Parker, Andrew Whitney and Morgan Brewer all had one goal each.

Others players that scored were: Jr. Ramsey Nabahani (1G), So. Cameron Sampson (1G, 1A), So. Zach Todaro (1G), and Jr. Scott Kelly (1G, 1A). The defense was lead by senior goaltender, Tyler Lebrun who had his first start for the Bears. He played 3 1/2 quarters letting in 1 goal on 6 shots. Sophomore Goalie Matt Scheinder finished the game with 3 saves and 4 goals allowed. The bears suited 38 players for the Friday night game and all 38 played. Attendance was over 150.

At 4-4 and midway through the 2005 season, the University of California, Berkeley Men’s Lacrosse Team finds themselves at a crossroads. The offense, which features six rookie or freshman starters, has shown both instances of explosiveness and ineptitude. The defense is intimidating and deep; laden with veterans, the defense may be the best in the nation. With only two seniors and nearly half the team comprising of freshmen, inexperience and inconsistency have plagued the Golden Bears this season. Of the four losses this season, three of them were by one point and the fourth against the defending National Champions, UC Santa Barbra. Despite enormous potential and displays of offensive firepower, the Bears inexperience has led to slow starts and failure to close out games. The first game against UCLA, unbeknownst to the team, was a perfect example of how the first half of the season would go. In a 4-3 loss, the defense showed why it was considered one of the best going into the season and the offense showed it’s inexperience as they were unable to find the back of the net. The Bears won their next game against USC despite only six goals, thanks to a stalwart defensive effort that yielded only three goals. In a loss to UC Santa Barbra, the Bears started slow and fell far behind. However, in the second half, they showed off what they were capable of by shutting down the Gauchos and winning the second half.

Against Dominican, the Golden Bears offense came alive for the first time this season and put up a firework display that featured 17 goals and many freshmen scoring their first collegiate goal or point. The offensive momentum continued into the next game against Nevada-Reno with six goals coming in the first quarter. Despite the win, the Bears failed to continue the offensive barrage the rest of the game and held on for a 9-4 win. The offensive skid continued onto the next game against the University of Washington where the Bears quickly fell behind 7-2. Although the Bears managed to tie the game up at 8-8, the Bears could not completely overcome their pitiful first half and failed to close out the game with a win.

The Bears came back flying the next week against division rival, Santa Clara, but again lost by a single point; this time failing to secure the lead and put away their opponent. However, showing off the veteran ability to shake off a bitter loss, the Bears came back to crush Claremont 10-4. The win was an important one as the Bears managed to avenge an embarrassing loss from last season and finish the midseason strong. However, more importantly, the California Golden Bears were beginning to show the intensity and edge of a veteran group.

The Bears hope to continue their ascent and growth as they kick off the 2 nd half of the season with what may be the most important game of the year. The Golden Bears have a chance to knock off division rival and #15 CAL Poly San Louis Obispo. On the borderline of greatness, a win will finally put the Bears over the hump and into the national spotlight.

However, though the game was a great draw and an opportunity for many former teammates to reunite, rehash old stories, and enjoy the community of Cal Lacrosse, the real focus of this weekend was on the other side of the midline- Cal’s 2005 Men’s Lacrosse Team. With over 40 players dressed on the sidelines, all eager to jump into the fray, the hard work of head coach Steve Dini and his fantastic assistants, Toby Costello, Taylor Gill and John Towsend,was very evident. In fact the entire weekend- from the pre-football game tailgate on Kleeberger field (Go Bears!! 45-28 over UCLA) with a large lacrosse tent and presence, to the extremely organized and competitive alumni game and reception on Sunday- was a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm that Coach Dini and his staff have for Cal Lacrosse. With there continued presence it is inevitable that Cal will continue climbing the latter back to the top of USLIA competition, where it rightfully belongs.

As proud alumni, we can only hope that this fabulous weekend continues to grow each year, and the great community that is Cal Lacrosse continues their support of the greatest university in the world’s greatest sport. Be sure to be at the first home game, February 4 th against the defending champion UCSB Gauchos, and more importantly, Go Bears!!!!