ORANGE, Calif. -- Elena Rust scored her first collegiate goal in the 56th minute off a free-kick and Cal Lutheran goalkeeper Kristin Bailey came up with six saves and a shut-out as the Regals went on the road and captured a crucial 1-0 victory against Chapman Saturday. With the win, Cal Lutheran improves to 5-1 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and stays atop the standings.
"Playing at Chapman, we know it's always going to be a tough and physical game," head coach Frank Marino said. "But this team gutted it out and found a way to win and I am very proud of them for that."
Cal Lutheran ripped eight shots in the first half but couldn't find the back of the net as Chapman goalkeeper Marissa Fehrman came up with five saves. Junior forward Taylor Will led CLU with five shots in the first half. Bailey turned away both shoots she faced and the teams headed into half-time tied at 0-0.
The Regals broke through in the 56th minute when Rust, who was making just her third start, connected on a free-kick from 30 yards and used the blustery conditions to put some extra movement on the ball and sneak it by the CU goalkeeper.
The normally stout CLU defense regained its form Saturday after allowing five goals in the past three games. Rust along with her fellow defenders Chelsea Braudo, Mallory Carcich and Yaharia Hernandez withstood eight shots and three-corner kicks to keep the clean sheet.
Will and Bailey Marquez led CLU with five shots while Kristina Hulse had two.
Katie Bell, Olivia Do and Val Sabol all had three shots for the Panthers.
Chapman drops to 6-5 and 3-3 in the SCIAC after the loss.
Cal Lutheran improves to 8-3 overall and 5-1 in the SCIAC with the win.
The Regals will be back in action next Wednesday, Oct. 9, when it travels to Claremont, Calif. for a showdown with Pomona-Pitzer. The Sagehens are currently tied with Cal Lutheran for the best record in the SCIAC. Kick-off is set for 4:00pm.
Box Score: CLU 1 CU
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