The 2020 California Lutheran University Regals water polo team will begin the season as the No. 1 Division III team in the nation.

“We are very experienced and the water polo IQ is very high with our current team,” Assistant Coach Cody Pletcher said. “Our outside shooting is better than I have seen in years and we are practicing like we have never won a championship.”

The Regals will begin the season at the Fresno State Tournament on Feb. 22-23, competing against Fresno State University, Azusa Pacific University and Fresno Pacific University.

“I’m very excited for this season, especially since we will have our own Nationals this year,” senior center Victoria Rose Meek said. “Last year was a strong season, and while we are proud of how we finished, we remain humble and dedicated to working hard in the pool to do it again this year, as we recognize that anything can happen in conference.”

After winning the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 2019, the Regals are trying to have another successful season in 2020.

“I think the message to have a successful season is to just maintain strong bonds within the team, to trust and respect one another, and to have fun,” Meek said.

While the Regals lost a few players from last season, they are ready to reconnect and become a stronger team.

“Working through things is what makes us a better team and stronger in the end. It’s all about learning each other’s tendencies and how to read them. I would say the best thing about this team is our chemistry in and out of the pool,” senior attacker Christin Hirn said.

This upcoming season features games against Chapman University and Division I opponent Indiana University. The SCIAC schedule includes 14 games with Senior Day held against La Verne on April 18.

“I cannot remember the last time I was this excited to get games going for the season,” Pletcher said. “I believe our team is going to turn some heads around the water polo world and people may underestimate us from time to time.”

The SCIAC Tournament is May 1 and 3, and the winner will advance to the Division III National Tournament.

“It’s important to remember to enjoy the opportunity to play, since most of us won’t have that opportunity forever,” Meek said.