THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's soccer hosted #9 Pomona-Pitzer in its 2025 SCIAC-opener on Wednesday evening, falling 2-1 after two clutch Sagehens goals with under ten minutes remaining. The Regals held a lead for over 70 minutes, but were unable to come away with the victory.

A foul on Pomona-Pitzer around the 10-minute mark set up a free kick opportunity for the Regals deep in Sagehens territory, and Hana Sawan took advantage by sending it into a crowded box. The ball bounced around for a few moments before Anna Evenson found herself with a great look, sending it past the keeper and giving Cal Lutheran an early 1-0 advantage with her first goal of the young season.

The rest of the opening half went back-and-forth, with Regals keeper Kelsey Slaugh making five big saves to keep the Sagehens scoreless. Cal Lutheran outshot Pomona-Pitzer six to five and headed into the break with the lead.

Cal Lutheran came out firing with five shots to the Sagehens' one over the first 19 minutes of the second half. The Regals continued to control the pace deep into the match, as Cal Lutheran held a 1-0 lead with under 10 minutes to play.

That's when the Sagehens turned it up a notch, and a foul on the Regals in the 81st minute set up Pomona-Pitzer with a free kick. The Sagehens' player rocketed a powerful kick towards the top of the net and past the goalie to knot the match at one apiece.

The Regals were able to get a couple looks in response, but neither converted. Pomona-Pitzer then returned the favor, with six shots in just four minutes. The Sagehens' final shot in that sequence found the back of the net to take the lead with just 50 seconds to go and send the Regals home with a crushing defeat.

Cal Lutheran drew plenty of opportunities, taking 10 corner kicks to Pomona-Pitzer's three.

Evenson scored her first goal this season as she and Olivia Suarez each shared a team-high four shots each.

Slaugh made nine total saves in the effort.

Despite the result on the scoreboard, the Regals proved their capability to battle a top-ranked team in the country. Cal Lutheran will look to get back in the win column as it hosts CMS on Saturday evening at 7pm.