LA VERNE, Calif. — Cal Lutheran women's water polo cruised past La Verne 16-6 and kept their playoff hopes alive on Saturday afternoon.

The Regals improve to 6-5 in SCIAC play and 10-17 overall. Today's win was key as the Regals are now half a game up on La Verne. The Leopards are now 5-5, as the teams play 12 conference games. 

"That was a great TEAM win," Head Coach Tim Settem said. "We needed that one and we executed. As a coach, you really can't ask for more than that from them."

Katie Knight led the way with six goals, Bethany Metcalfe added four, and Jacsen Donohue had three. Miranda Miller, Reyna Clark, and Lauren Lohmeier all added a goal. Sophie Raquel was in goal and made nine saves. 

The first quarter went back-and-forth as the Regals and Leopards traded goals. The Regals scored back-to-back goals twice and took a 4-2 lead after one quarter. The teams both scored twice in the second quarter as the Regals held a 6-4 lead at the half. The Regals' defense picked up in the second half as they outscored the Leopards 4-1 in the third and 6-1 in the fourth. The rout was on as the Regals picked up an important win. 

The Regals wrap up their regular season on Wednesday. They are at Chapman on Wednesday at 7 pm.