Women’s basketball falls to Cal Lutheran 76-70

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women's basketball team fell 76-70 to the visiting Cal Lutheran Regals (3-6, 1-1 SCIAC) earlier this evening. Sophomore Julianna Campas led the effort with 24 points for the Panthers (5-4, 1-1 SCIAC).

Chapman jumped out to an early 7-3 lead thanks to a three-pointer from senior Lucy Criswell. Sophomore Julia Strand extended the lead even further just over a minute later with a layup to put the Panthers up by six points. The Regals clawed back, pulling back within one point at the five-minute mark. The Panthers scored seven consecutive points to go up 20-12, but Cal Lutheran ended the first quarter with five points of their own to make it 20-17 after 10 minutes of play.

Junior Jozie Tangeman drained a three-pointer to start of the second quarter, tying the game. Campas answered with one of her four three-pointers to swing the momentum in Chapman's favor. The two sides traded points for the next five minutes before senior Natalie Ruhl hit a shot from beyond the arc to give the Regals a seven-point lead heading into halftime.

A couple of free throws to start of the third quarter gave Cal Lutheran a 10-point lead. Campas responded with a three-pointer, followed by back-to-back jumpers from the Campas and senior Marissa Dunn to cut the Panthers' deficit to five points. Campas followed up a couple of free throws from junior Brittany McPherson with a jumper to make the score 43-42 in favor of Cal Lutheran with just over five minutes left to play in the third. The Regals kept building on their lead, finishing the third quarter up 58-50.

The Panthers fought back in the fourth, pulling back within two points after sinking the first three baskets of the quarter. Cal Lutheran responded with eight points of its own for its biggest lead of the quarter. Ruhl finished off the game with a couple of made free throws before the Regals were able to dribble out the clock.

Despite tallying 30 offensive rebounds, the Panthers were only able to capitalize for 19 second-chance points. Criswell tallied four blocks in the game to go along with her nine points and two assists. Campas added three steals, three assists and three steals to her impressive 24 point-night. Strand tallied her second consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

The Panthers return to Hutton Sports Center tomorrow, Monday Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. to host No. 3 Bowdoin.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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