The California Lutheran University Regals lacrosse team (1-4 overall, 0-4 conference) competed in its home opener on Wednesday night at William Rolland Stadium, losing to conference opponent Chapman University Panthers (2-2 overall, 2-2 conference) 21-8.
Despite the loss, the Regals showed early promise and kept the game competitive for three quarters before the Panthers opened up the score in the last quarter. Notably, senior goalkeeper Bella Bravo contributed 21 saves for the Regals.
“I think we were really excited [for the home opener], definitely came out with some great energy and started the game strong,” Head Coach MacEllen McDonough said. “It felt really good to be at home and have our own fans.”
The Regals got on the board first via a goal by senior midfielder Josie Oparanaku less than three minutes into the first quarter. The early strike set the tone for the first quarter after both teams exchanged goals. Cal Lutheran stayed strong behind its passing and defense, ending the first quarter just behind the Panthers 4-3.
Oparanaku said the Regals succeeded in trusting each other and keeping energy up throughout Wednesday night’s game.
The Regals continued to battle in the second quarter as they kept pace with the Panthers’ attack. Oparanaku added to her scoring total in the first half, and two other Regal senior midfielders Sydnee Hill and Sydney Shin found the back of the net in the first half. The Panthers were able to extend their lead 7-4 at halftime.
After the first half, McDonough said she wanted the team to remain composed on offense and attack early. With this strategy, sophomore midfielder Alexa Miller was able to score her first collegiate goal with 48 seconds left in the third quarter.
McDonough also said it was the Regals’ second game running a new defense and that she was happy to see progress.
“It’s getting better and we’re definitely getting faster on [defense], and now we’re just gonna keep building on it,” McDonough said.
Coming out of the halftime break, Cal Lutheran showed resilience and cut into the deficit. Shin scored her second goal of the evening early in the third quarter and Oparanaku later added her third goal of the game to complete the hat trick and keep the lead within reach.
“[Oparanaku and Shin] are really strong players and leaders on our team who take control of our offensive unit,” McDonough said.
Junior attacker Madison Soforenko added another goal in the third quarter, continuing the Regals’ scoring effort, but the quarter ended with the Panthers up 13-8.
Chapman maintained control going into the final quarter and took advantage of its comfortable lead, scoring eight unanswered goals to claim a 21-8 victory.
“Learning from our mistakes on the field is something we need to improve upon,” Oparanaku said.
Playing in her final home opener, senior defender Leila Bauwens said in an email interview that being on the field with her teammates and doing their best together matters.
“I’m so proud of everything we continue to overcome together,” Bauwens said.
On Monday, March 9, the Regals recorded their first win of the season, overtaking the Emerson College Lions 15-12 at home.
The Regals will look to take this momentum into their next home contest against the Washington and Jefferson College Presidents on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m.
