BERKELEY, Calif- Playing in one of the toughest women's water polo tournaments in the country to begin the 2010 season, Sonoma State fell to national division I powerhouses, UC Santa Barbara and California, losing 13-2 and 23-3, respectively, in the NorCal Invitational on Saturday.

In the opening game of the season, the Seawolves fell behind 6-1 in the first half and couldn't regain momentum as 15th-ranked UC Santa Barbara defeated Sonoma State, 13-2. Laurel Stricklin and Kyleigh Shea netted goals for the Seawolves and goalkeeper Gina Uliana made six saves between the posts.

Then, in the second game of the season later in the day, Sonoma State tangled with No. 4 California, but the Bears pushed past the Seawolves, 23-3. Stricklin, Amanda Myers and Emily Pearce each scored for Sonoma State in the second half. Uliana made six saves again for the Seawolves.

Sonoma State will finish up the NorCal tournament tomorrow with matches against Santa Clara (9:15 a.m.) and San Jose State (1:00 p.m.) before heading south next weekend for the Triton Invitational at UC San Diego.

Match Statistics

No. 15 UC Santa Barbara 13, Sonoma State 2

SSU Scoring: Laurel Stricklin, Kyleigh Shea. Saves: Gina Uliana (6).

SSU: 0 1 0 1 -- 2
UCSB: 2 4 6 1 -- 13

No. 4 California 23, Sonoma State 3

SSU Scoring: Stricklin, Amanda Myers, Emily Pearce. Saves: Uliana (6).

SSU: 0 0 2 1 -- 3
Cal: 8 5 6 4 -- 23