By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – A close game for the first three quarters saw California Lutheran pull away late as the Regals defeated Pacific Lutheran 69-57 in a nonconference women's basketball game Tuesday evening at Gilbert Arena.
"The team played very hard, and we adjusted well to the physical play that was allowed," PLU head coach Jennifer Childress said. "CLU is a strong team and we battled right with them."
Cal Lutheran got off to a quick start, taking an early 7-2 thanks to five points from Chelsea Jacoby, who led the Regals with 13 for the game. A quick 6-0 run by Pacific Lutheran gave the Lutes their first lead of the night, and the teams hung close for the final five minutes to close out the first quarter with CLU leading 12-10.
Kristin Sturdivan made two three-pointers in the second quarter as PLU out-scored CLU 15-12 to take a 25-24 halftime lead. The close second quarter saw only one lead of more than two points, when a Madison Green-Hayward layup briefly gave PLU a 25-21 lead.
The Lutes scored the first four points of the second half on basketbs by Megan Abdo and Sarah Barnes, but five straight points for Cal Lutheran tied the game at 30-30. PLU picked up its final lead of the night when a three-pointer by Kaelyn Voss made it 35-34, but a nine-point streak from Cal Lutheran put the Regals up eight late in the quarter. The Lutes responded with a layup by Anna Hurd and a three-pointer by Abdo to make it 44-40 heading into the final period.
"In the third quarter our defensive intensity dropped off a bit and they were able to capitalize at key times to swing the momentum their way," Childress said.
Cal Lutheran scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to stretch its lead to 11 points, and the Regals didn't allow the Lutes within nine the rest of the way. Abdo led PLU with 12 points, while Sturdivan totaled 11, and Lacey Nicholson added nine points, six rebounds and four steals. The game featured six tie scores and 10 lead changes.
Despite playing in California, the Lutes found some familiar faces in the stands supporting their efforts in the game.
"The PLU swim team provided great energy from the stands," Childress said. "We truly appreciated the support and the fun environment they created with their cheers!"
The Lutes will look to clinch a winning California trip Thursday, as they visit Occidental at 12 p.m. in the final nonconference game of the season.
