CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's soccer (12-4-4) lost to Trinity (17-1-2) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon by a score of 1-0. The defeat ended the Regals' 2024 season, as they were on a quest to defend their national championship from the previous year. 

Heading out to host-school Pomona-Pitzer for the opening round of the Tournament for the second consecutive postseason, Cal Lutheran faced a somewhat familiar foe in Trinity University, who traveled west from San Antonio, Texas. The Regals and the Tigers had faced off twice in the past four years, splitting the series 1-1. Returning players from both sides had their opponents fresh in their memories.

With kickoff delayed an hour due to the previous match going into penalty kicks, each team was eager to begin postseason play at the opening whistle. The first half was a battle, as Cal Lutheran held the advantage in shots taken 7-4 going into the break.

20 minutes into the second half, the Regals suffered from some miscommunication on defense, resulting in a goal by Trinity sophomore midfielder Madisyn Barganski (8). It was one of merely two shots that the Tigers managed in the second period, but it proved to be enough for the win behind a strong defensive effort.

Cal Lutheran finished with 14 shots, seven on-goal, while Trinity ended with six shots, four on-goal. Cal Lutheran attempted 12 corner kicks to Trinity's three.

Senior defender Avery West led the Regals with three shots, while senior midfielder Elisa Shott led her team with two shots-on-goal.

Asked about the match today, head coach Frank Marino stated, "I'm super proud of how we played today, the second half was some of the best of the season…couldn't have asked for any more from our team."

"I'm super proud of this senior class and all that they accomplished, including a national championship, and putting Regals soccer in the national spotlight," he continued.

Here you can view the post game press conference featuring Marino and two of his senior captains, Avery West and Adriana Maroney.

The Regals will head home to Thousand Oaks disappointed with the outcome of Saturday's match, but they should be proud for achieving consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in over a decade.