THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran women's water polo's comeback against the La Verne Leopards came up just short as the Regals were defeated 13-12 on Saturday afternoon. 

The Regals outscored the Leopards 7-2 in the fourth quarter but it wasn't enough as they fell to 4-13 and 0-1 in conference play. 

Jacsen Donohue, Bethany Metcalfe, and Miranda Miller had a hat trick to lead the Regals. Donohue had two assists and Miller had two drawn exclusions. 

Vianne Will and Sophie Raquel split time in goal. Will made four saves while Raquel had four. Donohue and Megan Findlay led the defense with two steals. 

The game was even in the first quarter and was tied 3-3 after eight minutes. The Leopards made their move in the second, shutting out the Regals 4-0, and had a 7-3 lead at the break. The Leopards added to their lead in the third and held an 11-5 advantage heading to the fourth. The Regals showed fight, grit, and determination as the game ended with just a one-point deficit. 

The Regals continue conference play on Wednesday and host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 4 pm.