CLU Sports

CLAREMONT, Calif. - For the first time in program history the Cal Lutheran women's water polo team can call itself SCIAC Champions. On Sunday afternoon in the conference title game the Regals scored three straight fourth quarter goals to earn an 8-7 win over Pomona-Pitzer.

In only the program's sixth season of existence CLU Head Coach Craig Rond has achieved his ultimate goal of a SCIAC title.

"It feels great," said the dripping wet Rond following the ceremonial dunking into the Axelrood Pool at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. "It has always been our goal to win a (SCIAC) title... There are many people that were a part of this accomplishment," as he thanked the team, families and former CLU players following the game.

One player who had an immediate impact was the program's career leading scorer Joy Cyprian. She provided the Regals with a game-high five goals to lead all players.

Another current Regal having a career game was CLU net minder Rachel Hahn. The goalkeeper provided an opportunity for a Regals comeback making several second half stops, totaling eight for the contest, along with a pair of steals halting the Sagehens counterattack.

Cal Lutheran took an early 1-0 lead with Pomona-Pitzer scoring on its ensuing possession to tie the game. The Regals would not lead again until just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

Sarah Woods and Nikki Ruesch scored six of the Sagehens seven goals and pushed the lead to 4-2 after the opening quarter. Pomona-Pitzer scored three more times in the second quarter pushing the margin to three at the break.

"We knew we needed to make some adjustments--big adjustments," said Rond.

Woods, who scored PP's first two goals with backhands out of two-meters was held to only one goal the remainder of the game.

Trailing 7-4 at halftime, adjustments and flawless second half play would allow for a CLU comeback. Solid defense managed just that holding the Sagehens scoreless over the final 16 minutes.

The Regals chipped away scoring once in the third quarter pulling to within 7-5 heading into the fourth quarter.

Following four goals from Cyprian, a pair from Ashley Bentz and another from Meredith Butte the game was tied 7-7 midway through the final period. The Sagehens had no answer for Cyprian as she netted her fifth score with just over two minutes left.

Cal Lutheran avenges last year's defeat to Pomona-Pitzer in the SCIAC Championship title game by the same score, 8-7. The Sagehens outscored CLU by a 3-1 fourth quarter margin to earn the 2008 title.

Cal Lutheran (19-12, 10-0 SCIAC) earns its first berth to the 2009 NCAA Championships that will take place May 8-10 at the University of Maryland.