CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's volleyball gave No. 12-ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps a scare on Tuesday night before ultimately dropping the match in four sets, 25-21, 13-25, 20-25, 21-25.

The Regals (9-11, 4-7 SCIAC) took an early lead in the contest, setting the tone for what would be a tough battle from beginning to end. The first set featured a seven point streak for Cal Lutheran, with a kill and two service aces from Tarin Rueckert and another kill from Sophia Muller.

The Regals were able to capitalize on the Athena's errors when they had the chance, holding multiple leads in three of the four frames.

Statistically, Cal Lutheran prevailed in two categories, out-blocking CMS 13-6 and out-acing them 10-7. The Athenas held a 62-32 advantage in kills, hitting a .213 to a .081 clip for the Regals. They also had a 82-56 margin in digs.

Cal Lutheran was led in defeat by Kira Mortensen, who recorded seven kills and seven blocks in the match. Muller also added seven kills, one block, and one dig for the Regals while Rueckert picked up six kills and an impressive six service aces. Keegan Corley had a strong night in the back row with 21 digs while Makenna Kawamura recorded her second double-double of the season with 13 assists and 10 digs. Tess Holbert also had a standout 14 assists and three aces on the night.
 
CMS (17-4, 11-1 SCIAC) was led offensively by Brooke Mckee and Ashlee Sento, who had a combined 35 kills. Dede Carranza had 35 digs and Georgia McGovern collected 49 assists for the Athenas.
 
The Regals will look to regroup as they return home this Friday. They will host Pomona-Pitzer, the only SCIAC squad to take Cal Lutheran to five sets, at 7:00 PM.