CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran women's water polo went toe-to-toe with No. 2 seed Claremont-Mudd-Scripps for a half, but a decisive second and third quarter surge by the Athenas proved to be the difference as the Regals fell 12-7 in the SCIAC Tournament semifinals on Thursday night at the Axelrood Aquatics Center.
Cal Lu showed no signs of backing down early, matching CMS goal-for-goal in a tightly contested opening period.
Aleaha Gonzalez struck first for the Regals with an exclusion goal, and
Kelsee Espitia followed with a score to keep things level at 2-2 after one.
The Regals continued to battle in the second, with Espitia and
Clarisa Robles each finding the back of the net, but CMS began to create separation late in the frame. A flurry of goals in the closing minutes sent the Athenas into halftime with a 7-4 advantage, despite CLU hanging within striking distance throughout much of the half.
Out of the break, CMS extended its momentum with another strong offensive push in the third quarter. Gonzalez added her second goal of the night during that stretch, and
Franki Court also contributed a score, but the Athenas capitalized on key possessions to build a 12-6 lead heading into the final period.
Cal Lutheran's defense responded with a shutout fourth quarter, holding CMS scoreless over the final eight minutes.
Lauren Lohmeier netted the lone goal of the period, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
In the cage,
Sophie Raquel recorded two saves in extended minutes, while
Izzy de Souza made three stops in the first quarter.
The Regals conclude their season at 14-12 overall, capping a strong campaign that included a 10-2 mark in SCIAC play and the program's 19th straight conference tournament appearance.
