CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran softball was unable to find its rhythm at the plate on Friday afternoon, falling 9-0 in five innings to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Athena Field.

CMS struck early, plating a pair of runs in the first before breaking the game open with a seven-run second inning. The Athenas capitalized on timely hitting and patience at the plate to build a 9-0 advantage through two frames.

Despite the early deficit, the Regals' pitching staff settled in over the final three innings. Kylen Mingus retired the side in order in the fifth, while the defense played cleanly behind the staff with no errors on the day.

At the plate, CLU put a runner on in the opening inning as Reyna Perez worked a walk, but the Athenas' pitching kept the Regals off the bases the rest of the way.

Cal Lu moves to 10-16 overall on the season while CMS improves to 13-9-1.

The Regals return home on Saturday, April 4, to continue the series against the Athenas with a doubleheader beginning at noon. The day will also serve as Alumni Appreciation Day, with Cal Lutheran recognizing its Regals softball alumni between games.