Army

Cal volleyball started its season on a high note last Saturday in Haas Pavilion, defeating the USF Dons in all three sets in a preseason exhibition matchup. The game was a neck and neck battle of shifting momentum, but the Bears persevered with help from some of Cal’s newest and oldest players alike.

After 80 minutes of intense fighting in Houston, Cal rugby dropped the national championship to Navy, 28-22.

Even though they sometimes flirted with an unceremonious end to the season, especially during the loss-filled month of March, the Bears’ mental strength is one of the greatest foundations that the program can count on to win the title Saturday.

The Bears and Cougars will face off for a chance to play in the finals.

There is no better game than a quarterfinal to take down your best enemies and open the way to the championship.

Cal faced the Mustangs in a full-time XVs game for the first time in nearly 4 years. And, much like the performance of those Bears from back in 2019, the home team dominated. 

Saturday’s game between the Bears and the Mustangs is considered a play-in game, with the winner earning the right to travel to Moraga to face St. Mary’s.

Nothing is more fitting than to say that Saturday’s game will determine if Cal has the capacity to navigate the road to the national championship.

A large crowd – including the Cal band – packed Witter Rugby Field’s stands to see the Bears defeat the reigning D1A champions in Army.

Now, Cal’s gears are switched to its game against Army, which holds a 7-2 record but has not lost since a matchup against Lindenwood in November. The Black Knights will be keen to end Cal’s invincible season.