THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Excitement and determination radiated through Gilbert Arena on Cal Lutheran's senior night and last game of the 2019-2020 season. Seniors Natalie Ruhl and Karly Beyers were honored prior to the contest, which ended in a 56-point victory over the Caltech Beavers, 101-45.
Beyers, who finished her final game with a career-high 24 points, also tallied four assists, four blocks, and seven rebounds. The Santa Maria, Calif. native hit the first three pointer of the night to bring the energy. Beyers went on to knock down six triples in her final collegiate contest. The Regals hit five three-pointers in the first quarter of play versus Caltech, as they would use the three-ball to their advantage all night. With several strong defensive plays, Cal Lutheran held the Beavers to eight points for the majority of the quarter and just 45 points during the rest of the game. With their best offensive efforts yet, the Regals outscored the Beavers by 56.
With the first game in which CLU scored in the triple digits, the team could not have imagined a better night to wrap up their season and represent two seniors.
It was clear that Cal Lutheran came to play as they rounded out their season as teamwork and communication shined through the Regals' play as they moved the ball and hustled throughout the entire night. After the first half the Purple and Gold held a comfortable 25-point lead, which would result in a 50-point dominance in this Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) matchup.
Natalie Ruhl finished her last game as a Regal by adding nine points and six assists. Ruhl assisted Beyers on her fifth three pointer of the night, perfectly highlighting the senior domination of Wednesday night's game.
Cal Lutheran (11-12, 8-7 SCIAC) shot 58.8% (20-34) from the field in the first half of their matchup against Caltech. Finishing the game going 54.8% from the field, the Regals shot phenomenally. Beyers had 10 points after just 20 minutes of play and Cameron Mallory added 12 in the first half as well. Mallory finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to cap off a wonderful sophomore campaign for herself.
A 25-point lead was not enough for the Regals as they came out of halftime hitting six more shots behind the three-point line in the third quarter. The Regals hit a total of 18 shots from beyond the arc at 54.5%, adding 54 points to their final tally of 101. Ruhl started off the second half with a perfect triple that was immediately followed by another one from Jozie Tangemen, who finished with 10 points on the night. Taylor Oshiro scored a transition layup to close out a third quarter in which the Purple and Gold out-scored Caltech 29-9. Oshiro went on to contribute seven points and five rebounds.
The visitors were shocked by Cal Lutheran's defensive effort, leaving them shooting just 25.8% from the floor and 15.0% from beyond the arc.
Kamakani DeBlake added nine points, while Alexis Rodriguez and Mackenzy Iwahashi each poured in eight.
The Regals thrilled their fans during Head Coach Kelli DiMuro's first season at the helm of the program. She mentioned that it was a very emotional night for everyone with her two seniors going out, considering the strong bond and chemistry the team has developed over the season. DiMuro also spoke highly of the seniors' play in their final game. She also wanted to mention that Beyers, who admired Kobe Bryant, going out with 24 points, was "unbelievable."
Cal Lutheran ended their season on an incredibly high note. The team rallied around their two seniors, giving them a memorable final game in the Purple and Gold.
Box Score: CLU 101, CIT 45
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