Lindsay Gottlieb wanted to challenge her young talented California early, so she took a trip across country to face Louisville.
The Golden Bears came away with two wins and a Top 25 ranking in the process.
Cal entered The Associated Press women's basketball poll at No. 21 on Monday after beating then-No. 8 Louisville 75-71. The Cardinals fell eight spots to 16th.
"This group is really fun to coach since they are so young," Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. "We had to earn this one since we weren't ranked in the preseason. The polls will be a good lesson for them on how to handle our business.