Pomona, Calif. – The Regals suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 loss to the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens in their SCIAC postseason tournament championship game.

The Purple and Gold traveled to Pomona's field for a 12 pm kick off time and the opportunity to clench an automatic qualification into the NCAA tournament.

The Regals started the first 45 strong and went at their defensive line hard. Despite their creativity, they were only able to tally one shot in the first half.

Senior Gabby Flores was in the goal for the Regals and did well at owning her box. The Sagehens were able to get one past Flores half way through the first 45 to go up 1-0. It was back and forth for the rest of the half but no other opportunities were created for the Regals.

The Purple and Gold started the second half with momentum and tenacity. Their offensive line was working hard to find ways in behind Pomona's defense. They got off four shots in the second half but still were not able to get one in the back of the net.

Danielle Vis, Jalynne Magana, Izzy Martinez, Isabella Veljacic, and Dina Draguicevich all put up a shot for the Regals. The midfield was spraying the ball out to the outside forwards to try and use their athleticism against the Sagehens. Vis utilized her speed to get past the opposing defense but they were unable to capitalize on her services from the end line.

The Sagehens were able to put another one past the Regals but that is when the real tenacity began. For the remaining 25 minutes, the Purple and Gold played with grit and heart in hopes of making a comeback.

Mandy Crawford scored a goal for the Regals but it was called offside. They realized they had Pomona on their heels and used this to their advantage. Martinez's shot looked like it was going in but hit off the cross bar and bounced out. Shortly after that the Regals pushed the ball past the keeper but it was cleared by a Sagehen who was on the line.

Flores came out big with a 1 v 1 stop. She saw the Pomona forward break loose and came out at the right time, cutting off any angle and making a huge save to keep the Regals in it. She picked up four more saves in the second half.  

Despite their momentum and domination of possession for the majority of the second half, the Sagehens were able to sneak away with the tournament title.

They'll look for an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament.

Box Score: CLU 0, PP 2
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Release by Cate Boller, Assistant Sports Information Director