EAGLE ROCK, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's lacrosse showed significant offensive growth on Saturday morning, but ultimately fell 21-8 to Occidental on the road.

After being held to three goals in their season opener, the Regals (0-2, 0-2 SCIAC) more than doubled their output and mounted a strong third-quarter surge, highlighted by four straight goals to briefly shift the momentum.

Senior Josie Oparanaku once again led the way, tallying four goals and an assist while controlling a game-high eight draws. Madison Soforenko added two goals, and Sydnee Hill and Sydney Shin each found the back of the net. Shin also contributed an assist in the third-quarter stretch.

Occidental (1-2, 1-2 SCIAC) struck first and built a 4-2 lead after the opening quarter before using an eight-goal second period to create separation. The Tigers capitalized on extra-player opportunities in the third, scoring twice during man-up situations to halt the Regals' rally.

Trailing 13-3 early in the third, Cal Lutheran responded with its best stretch of the young season. Soforenko opened the burst off an assist from Oparanaku before Shin scored in transition. Oparanaku followed with another unassisted goal, and Soforenko capped the run off a feed from Shin to cut the deficit to 13-7.

Bella Bravo played all 60 minutes in goal, recording 11 saves and scooping up a ground ball. Defensively, the Regals caused five turnovers and held a 19-13 edge in draw controls, showing improvement in possession despite the final margin.

Occidental was led by Olivia Okamoto's seven goals and Tirzah Rivera's six, as the Tigers outshot Cal Lutheran 36-21 and converted 2-of-7 free-position attempts.

Cal Lutheran will continue its opening stretch on Saturday, February 28, traveling to face Pomona-Pitzer at 11 a.m. in another conference contest.