CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's basketball delivered a statement performance on the road Wednesday night, snapping Pomona-Pitzer's four-game win streak with a 63-55 victory inside Voelkel Gymnasium.
The Regals improved to 15-3 overall and 7-2 in SCIAC play, while the Sagehens fell to 10-7 (5-3 SCIAC). The win marked CLU's third straight victory and highlighted the Regals' continued ability to close out games away from home.
Cal Lutheran set the tone early, opening the game with strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting.
Natalie Villamor knocked down a pair of first-quarter three-pointers, and
Alline Ballard controlled the paint as the Regals built a 17-14 advantage after one.
Offense was harder to come by in the second quarter, as both teams struggled to find rhythm. CLU continued to generate quality looks but went cold from the field, allowing Pomona-Pitzer to chip away. The Sagehens narrowly outscored the Regals in the period, trimming the margin to one as Cal Lutheran carried a 27-26 lead into halftime.
The teams traded runs throughout a tightly contested third quarter. Villamor opened the half with another three, and Ballard consistently finished inside to keep CLU in front. Pomona-Pitzer answered with baskets in transition and at the free-throw line, tying the game at 40-40 late in the period and setting up a decisive final quarter.
Cal Lutheran seized control in the fourth behind a composed closing stretch. Ballard went to work inside, scoring or drawing fouls on multiple possessions, while the Regals capitalized at the free-throw line. A Villamor three with just over two minutes remaining extended the CLU lead to eight, providing the cushion needed down the stretch.
Pomona-Pitzer made one final push from beyond the arc, but Cal Lutheran responded with clutch free throws in the final minute to seal the road win.
Ballard led the Regals with 18 points and 13 rebounds, recording another dominant double-double while shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Villamor followed with 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers to pace CLU from the perimeter.
Janna Holley added 11 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high seven assists, while
Sydney Heyn chipped in eight points and four rebounds.
Cal Lutheran held a significant advantage on the glass, outrebounding the Sagehens 45-21, and turned that edge into key second-chance opportunities.
The Regals will look to carry the momentum forward as conference play continues. Cal Lutheran returns to action on Wednesday, January 28, traveling to Whittier for a 7 p.m. tip. CLU will be seeking a season sweep after opening SCIAC play with a 75-47 landslide win over the Poets in early December.