ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran University women's water polo team was selected to finish fourth in the 2026 SCIAC Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's coaches and released Tuesday afternoon.

The Regals collected 58 points, finishing just behind Chapman (59) and ahead of La Verne (38), Occidental (35), Whittier (25), Redlands (22), and Caltech (15). Reigning national champion Pomona-Pitzer topped the poll with 79 points and seven first-place votes, as the Sagehens are projected to claim their seventh consecutive SCIAC title. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps followed closely in second with 74 points and two first-place votes.

Cal Lutheran looks to build on last season's 14-15 overall record and 7-5 SCIAC mark while pursuing its 18th straight postseason appearance since joining the conference in 2007. Despite the graduation of All-Americans Katie Knight and Bethany Metcalfe, the Purple & Gold return a strong core of experienced contributors alongside an influx of new talent.

Graduate student Izzy de Souza anchors the Regals in goal after earning ACWPC Second Team All-American and Second Team All-SCIAC honors in 2025. Junior Hudson Geier and senior Chloe Gardhouse were also highlighted by the conference as key returners for Cal Lutheran.

A talented newcomer class is expected to make an immediate impact, with Aleaha Gonzalez, Franki Court, Kelsee Espitia, and Olivia Hurley all registering key points during CLU's first preseason match last weekend.

The Regals continue their nonconference schedule this Friday, January 30, hosting CSUN and Fresno Pacific.

2026 SCIAC Women's Water Polo Preseason Poll