The No. 12-ranked Sacramento State rugby team aims to recover at home this weekend against California after suffering its first defeat of the season at the hands of No. 11 St. Mary’s.

The 24-17 loss to St. Mary’s this past Saturday halted the Hornets season opening six-game win streak. According to team member Micheal Rodriguez, “The first loss was a little disappointing, we should have won.”

The loss will likely drop the Hornets ranking slightly leading up to this week’s game against the No. 2-ranked Golden Bears Saturday at 1 p.m.

“I think it could be a huge recoil response,” said team member Mike Rios of coming into the matchup with Cal off a loss.

Two wins against top-20 teams and a San Diego City Tournament Championship earlier this season helped to propel the Hornets to the No. 12 spot. The team’s biggest win came against Cal Poly Jan. 15.

Cal Poly was ranked third in the nation at the time and was leading by 16 points with less than 20 minutes remaining. Sac State was cameback and leave the field victorious, 35-31.

“Cal Poly was definitely our biggest victory,” Rodriguez said.

Another win followed a week later against then 13th-ranked UC Santa Barbara Jan. 22.

However, defeating the defending national champion Golden Bears will be no easy task for the Hornets. When asked the keys for this weekends game, Rios said, “Ball position and no penalties. Penalties will have a big influence on how we compete against Cal.”

The Hornets have four remaining home games on schedule, including one against rival and 15th-ranked UC Davis Feb. 26.

The rugby field is located next to the Sac State soccer field and softball field. All games start at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.