AZUSA, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's water polo opened the 2026 season with a tough road challenge, mounting a second-half comeback before ultimately falling 15-10 to NCAA Division II opponent Azusa Pacific on Saturday afternoon at the Citrus Aquatic Center.

The Regals trailed early after APU jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening quarter and carried an 8-2 advantage into halftime. Cal Lutheran flipped the momentum coming out of the break, erupting for seven goals in the third period to claw back into the contest and pull within three heading into the final frame.

Aleaha Gonzalez led the offense with four goals, accounting for nearly half of CLU's scoring output. Six additional Regals found the back of the net, while Franki Court dished out a team-high two assists. Jacqueline Brandon and Chloe Gardhouse each recorded two points with a goal and an assist.

Cal Lutheran matched Azusa Pacific goal-for-goal during the third-quarter surge, as Olivia Hurley, Kelsee Espitia, Lauren Lohmeier, Gardhouse, Gonzalez and Brandon all scored in the eight-minute span. Despite the Regals' push, the Cougars regrouped in the fourth period with three goals to secure the win.

In goal, Izzy de Souza logged the full 32 minutes and finished with eight saves while facing 32 shots.

Cal Lutheran will look to bounce back next week when the Regals return home for their first home action of the season on Friday, January 30, hosting CSUN and Fresno Pacific at the Samuelson Aquatic Center.