THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's water polo carried its momentum from yesterday into today and routed UC Merced 21-8. The afternoon game featured a tug-of-war dual against Azusa Pacific in which the Regals fell just short, 10-9.

Cal Lutheran 21, UC Merced 8
The Regals came out aggressively and scored six goals to the Bobcat's three. Katie Knight found the back of the net twice early in the first quarter. UC Merced attempted to mount a comeback with a goal, but the Regals answered and rallied for five unanswered goals for an 11-4 halftime lead. 

In the second half, the Purple & Gold put ten goals in the back of the cage. Lauren Lohmeier fired in three consecutive goals in the third quarter and Jacqueline Brandon had two in the fourth period to cap off the 21-8 win. 

11 different Regals recorded goals led by Knight and Lohmeier who each had four. Cal Lutheran also had 14 combined steals to lock down the defensive end.

Cal Lutheran 9, Azusa Pacific 10
In a highly anticipated rematch between the Cougars and the Regals, Cal Lutheran battled all four quarters but fell short by one goal. 

Knight continued her dominance on the offensive side of the pool with two goals in the first quarter. Another goal from Knight and an outstretched save from goalie Izzy de Souza kept the Regals afloat at the end of the second. Azusa Pacific and Cal Lutheran were knotted up at 4-4 at the end of the half.

The Regals took a two-goal lead at the start of the third period, with one coming from Knight. Azusa Pacific then outscored the Regals 3-1 in the rest of the quarter to take a one-goal lead into the fourth. Knight tied the game in the first minute of the period for her fifth goal of the match. The Regals and Cougars traded two goals each in the fourth quarter to finish the game. 

Knight was spectacular for the Regals, as was de Souza with 17 saves in net. Chloe Gardhouse also had a goal and an assist. 

Cal Lutheran finished the Tina Finali Tournament with a 2-2 record, but is just treading water of its maximum potential. The Regals will look to build on their incredible tournament play while taking on Mount St. Mary's at home on Wednesday, February 26th at 4:00 p.m.