THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The California Lutheran University women's lacrosse team faced a difficult test Wednesday night at William Rolland Stadium, falling 17-2 to No. 10 Pomona-Pitzer.
Although the nationally ranked Sagehens took control of the scoreboard early, the Regals showed significant defensive resilience as the game progressed, ultimately holding the visitors scoreless throughout the entire fourth quarter
Pomona-Pitzer jumped out to a 11-0 lead in the first quarter, a lead they could coast on for the rest of the contest. The Sagehens added four more in the second and two more in the third en route to victory.
Cal Lutheran's defense, led by senior goalkeeper Bella Bravo, stiffened in the second half following a tough first.
Bravo played the full 60 minutes, recording five saves and recorded a team-high six ground balls. The Regals also stayed competitive in transition, successfully clearing 10 of their 11 attempts and collecting 12 total ground balls.
Offensively, Josie Oparanaku provided the spark for Cal Lutheran in the third period by converting a free-position shot to put the Regals on the board. Oparanaku also contributed to the team's second score, assisting Sydney Shin for a goal with a few minutes to go in the final frame. Shin finished the night with three shots, while Oparanaku recorded two points and two ground balls.
With the loss, Cal Lutheran moves to a 3-11 overall record and 0-9 in SCIAC. The Regals will look to bounce back Saturday when they travel to face Chapman at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.
