WHITTIER, Calif. — Cal Lutheran women's soccer (8-3-1, 5-2-0 SCIAC) fell just short on the road Wednesday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Whittier in a tightly contested conference matchup.

The Poets struck early, breaking through in the third minute to grab a quick 1-0 lead. Cal Lutheran responded with sustained pressure throughout the half, generating a series of corner kicks and looks on goal from Caitlyn Turner, Olivia Suarez, and Chloe Smith. Despite outshooting Whittier (4-2-4, 1-2-3 SCIAC) 5-4 before the break, the Regals went into halftime trailing by one.

Cal Lutheran continued to press in the second half. After multiple saves from the Poets' keeper, the Regals finally broke through in the 78th minute when Jenna Kasarda connected with a pass from Suarez and fired a shot into the back of the net, tying the match at 1-1.

Whittier reclaimed the lead five minutes later, converting on a late opportunity in the 84th minute that proved to be the difference. The Regals pushed forward in the closing minutes but were unable to find the tying goal.

The Regals controlled possession and tempo throughout the match, outshooting the Poets 15-6 and holding a dominant 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. Cal Lutheran's defense held firm, limiting Whittier to just two shots in the second half while goalkeeper Kelsey Slaugh finished with two saves. Despite their strong performance, the Regals fell just short.

Cal Lutheran will look to bounce back on the road when it travels north to face UC Santa Cruz in a non-conference matchup this Saturday.