ORANGE, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran women's water polo team returned to and remained unbeaten in conference play on Wednesday night, defeating Chapman 9-6 at Allred Aquatics Center.

The Regals (8-9, 4-0 SCIAC) used a strong opening quarter and a balanced offensive attack to build an early lead before holding off a late push from the Panthers.

Cal Lu struck first in the opening period as Kelsee Espitia found the back of the cage two minutes into the frame, igniting a three-goal surge. Reyna Clark and Hudson Geier followed with scores to give the Regals a 3-0 advantage before Chapman got on the board in the final seconds of the quarter.

The Regals continued to apply pressure in the second period. After nearly five minutes of scoreless play, Lauren Lohmeier broke through with a goal to extend the lead. Chapman briefly cut into the deficit, but Espitia responded with a last-second score to send CLU into halftime with a 5-2 advantage.

Chapman pushed back in the third quarter, scoring twice to pull within one, but Aleaha Gonzalez answered with a late goal to keep the Regals in front 6-4 heading into the final frame.

The Purple & Gold sealed the victory with a strong fourth quarter as Olivia Hurley scored twice early in the period before Lohmeier added her second goal of the night. Chapman managed two late scores, but Cal Lu maintained control to secure the 9-6 conference win.

Lohmeier led the Regals with four points on two goals and two assists while drawing three exclusions. Espitia also added two goals and an assist for three points with a steal in the contest.

In goal, Izzy de Souza anchored the defense with a standout performance, recording 14 saves in the complete-game effort.

Cal Lutheran will return home on Saturday, March 14, hosting Whittier at 11 a.m. at the Samuelson Aquatics Center before welcoming former Regals back to the pool for the program's alumni game at 1 p.m.