THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — It was a battle between the top two teams in the nation as No. 2 California Lutheran University women's water polo hosted No.1 Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday afternoon. The Sagehens showed why they are the top team and defeated the Regals 12-8.

It was a humbling game for the Regals, which had won their past nine games, holding most opponents under five points. The Regals dropped to 6-2 in conference and 13-7 overall.

The Sagehens opened the game with two early goals, putting pressure on the Regals. Cal Lutheran was quick to answer as Lexi Rond and Kemi Dijkstra tied the game with 2:48 left in the first. 

Pomona-Pitzer scored one more goal in the quarter and carried that momentum into the second. The Sagehens made it four goals in a row as they took a 6-2 lead with 4:56 left in the half. After Cal Lutheran stopped the run with a goal from Jacsen Donohue, Pomona-Pitzer fired back with two and had an 8-3 lead at the half. 

Rond was able to cut the score in half to start the third, but the Sagehens added two more to their count. Katie Knight added one more in the quarter, but Pomona-Pitzer had Cal Lutheran doubled up going to the fourth. 

In the lone contest in the regular season between the powerhouses of the SCIAC, it was the Sagehens that had the answers and took the game. 

Rond led the offense with three goals and five drawn ejections. Bethany Metcalfe dished out three assists and Kaitlin Gardhouse had two more. Izzy De Souza was in the cage and made 10 stops. 

The Regals continue the season with a tough stretch. Up next is Claremont-M-S at home on Saturday at 11 a.m. 

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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director