NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Cal Lutheran women's basketball (1-0, 0-0 SCIAC) opened its 2025-26 season in dominant fashion, handling Hartford (0-1, 0-0 CNE) in a 77-51 victory on Saturday morning in the opening game of the Tyler Tip-Off Tournament.

Junior forward Alline Ballard set the tone for the Regals, finishing with a team-high 17 points on 80% from the field while pulling down nine rebounds. Cal Lutheran's balanced scoring attack and defense powered the Regals to their first win of the season.

The Regals came out firing in the first quarter, with Janna Holley putting Cal Lutheran on the board before Ballard took over, scoring the next three baskets to build early momentum. Strong finishes from Holley and Devyn Berry helped Cal Lutheran maintain control and close the quarter ahead, 23-20.

Cal Lutheran extended its lead in the second quarter behind a barrage of shots from deep, including threes from Anna Sherman, Kaiya Mack, Genessa Ong, and Sydney Heyn. The Regals held Hartford to just 14 points in the period and entered halftime leading 45-34.

The Regals remained in their offensive rhythm after the break. Berry and Sherman fueled a strong third-quarter push, while Holley connected from beyond the arc at the buzzer to cap a 19-point quarter and give Cal Lutheran a 64-41 advantage heading into the final period.

In the fourth, Cal Lutheran showed its depth as Natalie Villamor and Joey Lin each added to the scoresheet, sealing the 26-point victory. The Regals' defensive effort held Hartford to just 17 second-half points, while ten different Cal Lutheran players put the ball in the basket.

Ballard led the way with a near double-double performance, while Holley (12) and Mack (11) joined her with double-digit points. Holley recorded a ridiculous career-high eight steals to begin her senior campaign. Cal Lutheran shot 45.1% from the field and hit seven three-pointers while dominating the glass with a 41-27 rebounding advantage, including 21 offensive boards that fueled consistent second-chance opportunities throughout the game.

The Regals will continue play at the Tyler Tip-Off Tournament on Sunday, taking on Albertus Magnus at 1pm local time.