THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran's women's basketball team took on Chapman University in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) matchup, but came up short and lost 68-56 Monday night in Gilbert Arena.

Kiana Gray led the Regals (7-7, 3-2 SCIAC) with 12 points, five steals and added four rebounds. Rylie Wada was close behind Gray, tallying 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Kayla Watterson led the Violet and Gold defensively tonight with 10 rebounds, three offensive and seven defensive. Watterson also added eight points and one steal.

Wada started the Regals off on the right foot as she nailed a three-pointer in the first 20 seconds of the game. Gray followed up after Wada, giving the Violet and Gold a 5-0 lead within the first three minutes of the game. The Panthers answered back and built a solid lead as they were up, 17-9 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Panthers increased their lead and were up as much as 15 points. Cal Lutheran was able to fight back and cut the deficit to single digits. The Regals scored the final four points of the quarter and were down 34-25 going into halftime.

The Regals continued to chip away at the lead in the second half. A made layup by Watterson, brought CLU within seven points, 36-29. Cal Lutheran had their chances to get back in the game, but every run was answered by the Panthers.

Chapman continued their full-court press throughout the rest of the game and tired out the Regals. The Panthers outlasted Cal Lutheran 68-56. Although Chapman held the lead majority of the game, both teams tallied 19 turnovers a piece.

Lucy Criswell and Jamie Hum-Nishikado led the Panthers with 17 and 16 points apiece, respectively. Criswell and Brittany McPherson kept the offensive moving and tallied five assists each.

Cal Lutheran returns to the court Saturday as they take on Redlands at 4 p.m. in Gilbert Arena.

Box Score: CU 68, CLU 56
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Release by Nicki Tetherow, Assistant Sports Information Director