CLU Regals Soccer News

Regals Pair Named to ESPN All-Area Team

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:30:00 PST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Cal Lutheran women's soccer team members Taylor Will and Sinead Vaughan were named to the ESPN Los Angeles College All-Area Team. Both are members of a squad that consists of players from NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA institutions.

Release: ESPN College All-Area Team

Will was named the Freshman of the Year after contributing 19 goals and eight assists in her inaugural season with the Regals. She is the only player from NCAA Division III to earn a spot on the All-Area Team as a forward. Will was also named the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Newcomer of the Year and an NCAA All-West Region First Team selection.

Vaughan is the only NCAA Division III player to earn an All-Area Team selection at the midfielder position. She was earlier named an All-American selection, All-Region honoree, and SCIAC Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

The ESPN team was selected by Scott French, who has covered soccer for more than 30 years and was senior editor at Soccer America. He has also covered three World Cups among many other major tournament and matches during his career as a sports journalist.

Dingman and Vaughan Named D3soccer.com All-Americans

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Seniors Sinead Vaughan and Jess Dingman were named to the 2011 D3soccer.com All-America Team. Vaughan earned second team honors as a midfielder and Dingman third team as a defender.

Release: D3soccer.com Women's All-America Team

Vaughan, a midfielder from Simi Valley, Calif., earned her second different All-America selection this season. She was earlier named an NCAA Third Team All-American for the second time in as many years. Vaughan started all 23 games this season and contributed five goals and 12 assists.

Dingman, a defender out of Moorpark, Calif., received her first All-America honor as part of the third team defensive unit. She appeared in all 23 games and made 21 starts during her senior season.

Regals Soccer Nets Third Straight Team Academic Award

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran is one of 572 collegiate women's soccer programs to earn 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award honors.

Release: NSCAA Team Academic Award Winners

Teams that maintained a team grade point average of 3.00 or higher this past year received the honor. Cal Lutheran's team GPA of 3.24 this past season marked the third straight year the program has earned this distinction.

Seven members on this year's team were also recognized as part of the Cal Lutheran Scholar-Athlete Society. Student-athletes who compete at the intercollegiate or junior varsity level and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher earn this status.

Highlighting this group of players are senior defense Rebekah Casas and sophomore defender Anna Medler. Both were named to the Capital One Academic All-District Team this past fall. Casas earned her second straight honor and will graduate this year with a degree in Psychology.

Vaughan Earns All-America Honors

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran senior Sinead Vaughan was named to the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America Third Team. This season marks the second straight year she was named a third team selection.

Release: NSCAA/NCAA D-III All-America Team

Vaughan repeated all three post-season awards she received as a junior. She was named the SCIAC Player of the Year, All-West Region First Team and All-America Third Team. The senior midfielder is one of 10 individuals on this year's list to earn repeat All-America honors.

Vaughan joins elite company as the third player in Cal Lutheran history to earn multiple All-America Team honors. She is the first to do it since Lara Philby earned third team and first team honors in 1996 and 1997, respectively.

The 41 athletes will be recognized at the annual All-America Luncheon, to be held in the Kansas City Convention Center's Grand Ballroom on Saturday, Jan. 14, in conjunction with the 2012 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

Women's Soccer Scores Six All-West Region Selections

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran women's soccer placed six of its members on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III All-West Team. Five of the six selections were named to the First Team.

Release: NSCAA/NCAA DIII All-West Team

Two of the four first team selections at the defender position went to Regals. Jess Dingman earned her second regional honor after earning a second team nod as a freshman in 2008. Teammate and three-time All-SCIAC pick Jen Jones earned her first regional selection to cap off her four-year CLU career.

Senior Sinead Vaughan and junior newcomer Lindsay Armenta make up half of the midfielders whom were selected to the All-Regional First Team. Vaughan was named the SCIAC Player of the Year and now All-Region First Team during both seasons with the Regals. Armenta received a First Team All-SCIAC selection and now All-Region First Team in her first year at CLU.

Rounding out the Cal Lutheran first team selections is freshman forward Taylor Will. She led the conference providing 19 goals and 46 total points to earn SCIAC Newcomer of the Year honors.

In 14 games of action as the Regals goalkeeper freshman Renee Standage allowed only four goals and posted a 12-1-1 record. She held opponents to a 0.33 goals against average and earned five solo shutouts to earn All-Region Second Team honors.

Cal Lutheran was the only school in the SCIAC to receive any first team selections and led the conference with six total honorees. Pomona-Pitzer received three and Redlands landed a pair.

Will, Vaughan Lead Group of Seven on All-SCIAC Team

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:30:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran women's soccer placed seven of its team members on the All-SCIAC Team, announced on Wednesday. The group is highlighted by back-to-back Player of the Year Sinead Vaughan and Newcomer of the Year Taylor Will.

Official Release: All-SCIAC Team

Will, Lindsay Armenta, Jen Jones, Jess Dingman and Renee Standage were each selected to the All-SCIAC First Team. Senior midfielder Kaitlin Walters was named to the All-SCIAC Second Team to round out the Regals contingent.

Cal Lutheran boasts four from this group who have previously earned All-Conference accolades. Vaughan was named SCIAC Player of the Year in her inaugural season with Cal Lutheran as a junior in 2010. This season she leads the SCIAC with 12 assists and ranks third on the CLU squad with 22 points.

Jones leads this group earning her third league distinction in four seasons with the Regals. After earning a second team selection during her freshman season, Jones received first team honors in 2009 and as a senior in 2011.

Dingman bookended her two first team selections receiving her first as a freshman defender in 2008 and now as a senior in 2011. Walters earned first team last season and second team this year in her two seasons with Cal Lutheran.

Freshman Taylor Will leads a group of three first-year Regals whom earned SCIAC recognition. Will leads the SCIAC with 19 goals and 46 total points this season to earn Newcomer of the Year honors.

Fellow freshman Renee Standage allowed only one goal against in nine regular season conference appearances to earn first team honors at goalkeeper. Junior Lindsay Armenta scored four goals highlighted by three game-winning scores during the SCIAC regular season. She also added the opening goal in the SCIAC Tournament final this past Saturday.

Cal Lutheran (20-1-1) won the SCIAC regular season and tournament titles and will host its NCAA Tournament first round match on Saturday, Nov. 12, against UC Santa Cruz at 7:30 p.m. CLU would host its second round match at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, pending Saturday's result with the Banana Slugs.

Women's Soccer Stunned by Sudden End to Season, NCAA Tournament

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:30:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Missed opportunities and a strange conclusion ended Cal Lutheran's NCAA Tournament opening round game and season on Saturday night. Michelle Stathatos of UC Santa Cruz scored in overtime to provide the lone goal in a 1-0 result at William Rolland Stadium.

Box Score: UCSC 1, CLU 0 - F/OT
Box Score: CM 1, UPS 1 - F/PKH

"I just turned, saw an opening and shot it hard," said Stathatos moments prior to her game-winning goal at the 95:04 mark. "I don't really remember how I got the ball...it just took a funny bounce and got through for the goal."

A rare rainy evening in southern California may have turned a routine save into an unpredictable bounce off the turf. A slick surface, wet ball and unexpected hop may have factored into the deciding score.

It was only the fourth goal conceded by Regals goalkeeper Renee Standage in nearly 1,100 minutes of action this year. She suffered the first and only loss of her first collegiate season.

Cal Lutheran had several scoring chances including a shot off the cross bar from Nicole Rains in the final minute of regulation. Overall the home squad outshot UC Santa Cruz 16-5 and forced Banana Slugs goalkeeper Monica Chazen to make five saves.

"We just didn't make the most of our chances as we have in the past," said CLU Head Coach Frank Marino. "(Santa Cruz) deserves the credit and did a great job defending our forwards and midfielders."

The job UC Santa Cruz did was matched by only one other squad this season. The Banana Slugs and Hardin-Simmons, the defending NCAA National Champions are the only two teams to hold Cal Lutheran scoreless in a game this season.

"We played our game, stayed very disciplined, and stuck with our game plan," said UC Santa Cruz Head Coach Josh Schelhorse. "We needed to take care of the ball and make sure they didn't get good looks...for the most part we did that."

Those adjustments were made after having suffered two regular season losses to Cal Lutheran. UC Santa Cruz had dropped a pair of 2-0 decisions and six straight to the Regals heading into tonight's contest.

Cal Lutheran finishes the season 20-2-1 while UC Santa Cruz advances to play Concordia-Moorhead on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. at William Rolland Stadium.

Concordia-Moorhead 1, Puget Sound 1 - F/PKH
Concordia-Moorhead and Puget Sound were deadlocked 1-1 through regulation and after a pair of 10-minute overtime frames. A shootout was needed to determine which team would advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Puget Sound missed its first two attempts while Concordia-Moorhead made both of its tries. The Loggers missed their fourth attempt and the Cobbers moved on 3-1 in PK's.

UPS led throughout a majority of this evenly matched game after Jenny Moore made a run down the right side of the Concordia defense. She put the Loggers up in the 18th minute providing a one-goal cushion that would last for nearly an hour of game time.

The Cobbers earned a free kick near the right post of the 18-yard box. Sarah Rounds curled her right-footed shot away and out of the reach of goalkeeper Kara Merfeld to score the equalizer in the 75th minute.

"I have taken a lot of free kicks around the top of the (18-yard) box this season, but haven't had one go my way" said Rounds as she approached her shot. "I really focused and knew we needed a big goal."

The timely score eventually forced extra time and penalty kicks. Kelsey Swagger, Rounds, and Libby Fransdal successively converted their penalty kick shootout attempts in sending the Cobbers to the next round.

CLU Women's Soccer Regional Tournament Preview

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - William Rolland Stadium on the campus of Cal Lutheran University will host one of 16 NCAA Regional Tournaments starting on Saturday, Nov. 12. The Regals will host UC Santa Cruz at 7:30 p.m. in their first round contest.

Website: Cal Lutheran Regional

Single-day tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and $3 for children under 12 years of age. All-session tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens, and $6 for children under 12.

All matches throughout the weekend will be streamed live on the Cal Lutheran athletics website. They can be viewed online for free by clicking here.

Action will begin on Saturday at 5 p.m. with Concordia-Moorhead and Puget Sound meeting in the tournament opener. Cal Lutheran's contest with UC Santa Cruz will begin no earlier than its originally scheduled start time of 7:30 p.m.

The winners from Saturday's matches will meet each other on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. Matches are listed in the local time zone and are subject to change.

Concordia-Moorhead vs. Puget Sound (5 p.m.)
Concordia-Moorhead finished third in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and defeated conference champion Saint Benedict in the regular season finale. The Cobbers lost in the MIAC Tournament finals with two seconds left in overtime. This will be their second trip out to California which featured a match against UC Santa Cruz in which the Cobbers fell 1-0.

Puget Sound won the Northwest Conference regular season title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. On the season the Loggers have allowed only 10 goals against in 19 games. UPS has faced off with the other two squads in this region suffering a 2-1 loss to Cal Lutheran in its season opener (Sept. 5) while earning a 2-1 win over UC Santa Cruz (Sept. 11).

Cal Lutheran vs. UC Santa Cruz (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday will mark the third time these teams have met this season. Cal Lutheran came out victorious on both occasions with a pair of 2-0 victories at home (Oct. 9) and on the road (Oct. 16). The Regals have been shutout only once this season, won six straight over the Banana Slugs including five straight two-goal victories.

UC Santa Cruz has already faced each of the three teams in this region going 1-3-0 overall. The Banana Slugs return to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in six seasons with a one-year absence in 2010.

Dingman Glad to Finish Career in 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 PST

Jess Dingman's epiphany came during summer workouts. Surrounded by her fellow seniors on the Cal Lutheran women's soccer team, Dingman suddenly felt at peace with her situation.

Although she had another year of athletic eligibility remaining because of an injury, Dingman didn't want to use it.

The Moorpark High graduate wanted this season to be her final season at CLU.

"I didn't want to leave this group behind. I wanted to be with them on Senior Day and graduate with them," Dingman said. "They have been my teammates and kind of my family for the past four years and I wanted us to end together. Plus, my body keeps telling me it should be time soon. I am tired."

If Dingman is sincere in her convictions, the 5-foot-6 defender is ending her career on a high note.

CLU (20-1-1) captured the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles and will host UC Santa Cruz in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament on Saturday night.

"We would love to have Jess back again, but I have never really questioned her decision," CLU head coach Frank Marino said. "I think she is at the point where she is ready for the next stage of her life and ready to move on from soccer. It's been a great run though, and she has been a big part of our success this year."

Three full seasons at CLU is actually more than Dingman could have imagined once she graduated high school.

Dingman was ready to retire from the sport and just be a regular student.

She applied to Pepperdine, but did not get accepted.

Marino approached Dingman at a high school game and encouraged her to take a tour of the CLU campus.

Once Dingman decided to attend, she figured she might as well play soccer.

"It was random, but it all just kind of fell into place," she said. "I am so glad it did because it has brought me so many opportunities. I have traveled to states I probably would have never gone to and made so many great friends."

Dingman was a full-time starter and first-team all-SCIAC selection as a freshman. But her sophomore year ended abruptly when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.

Before that setback, the worst injury Dingman can remember suffering was a bee sting.

After a diligent rehabilitation process, Dingman returned to the field last season but never came close to playing at full strength.

"It was kind of a recovery year for me to get my timing back," Dingman said. "I didn't start a bunch of games and learned what it's like to be a sub. I think that strengthened my character and gave me a new understanding of what other girls go through. I learned how to be patient and prepared for my time. The injury blessed me in that sense."

But Dingman wasn't content to be a sub again this season. She worked furiously in the offseason to prepare for a starting role on a defense that has allowed only 10 goals in 22 games.

"She came in and was in phenomenal shape," Marino said. "Her leadership has really been essential. She is a three-year captain and a great communicator on and off the field for us. She does a good job of really getting the players together and building chemistry."

Dingman is hoping to use those qualities for her future career.

She arrived at CLU as a math major, but quickly changed her mind once she began taking Calculus courses.

"I started talking to a counselor after that and told her what I like doing and she threw out there that liberal studies might be something to look into," Dingman said. "I researched it and it just called my name. Ever since I started taking classes about teaching and things like that, I fell in love."

Dingman wants to be an elementary school teacher and soccer coach, and plans to begin working on her teaching credential next year.

She already has coaching experience, having spent the last four years working at Moorpark High under Frank Paletta.

Dingman coaches the frosh-soph team for her alma mater and assists with the varsity.

"I get a lot of happiness from coaching. That is kind of where my joy is," Dingman said. "It's rewarding to see what I have learned that I can pass on to others whether it's on the soccer field or in the classroom."

Dingman knows every game CLU plays at this point could be her last. The senior class has often talked about restoring the program's winning legacy.

Although the Regals have captured back-to-back SCIAC titles, they are seeking more.

"We set a goal to be SCIAC champions and someone threw out being national champions," Dingman said. "We all kind of laughed about it and joked, but then we all thought, 'Why not? Why not set our expectations high and push for more?' It would be amazing to leave with that."

CLU to Host Women's Soccer, Volleyball NCAA Regional Tournaments

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - On Monday morning it was announced that Cal Lutheran University will be a regional site for the Division III NCAA Tournament in both volleyball and women's soccer during the upcoming weekend.

Tournament Website: Volleyball Regional
Tournament Website: Women's Soccer Regional

Volleyball (Nov. 11-13)
The three-day volleyball tournament regional will begin on Friday, Nov. 11, with four first round matches. Contests will take place on 2 hour, 30 minute intervals with host Cal Lutheran facing Whitworth at 8 p.m.

Saturday's second round matches are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. start times. Sunday afternoon's regional championship is set to begin at 4 p.m. Start times for all matches are subject to change.

Women's Soccer (Nov. 12-13)
Cal Lutheran will host three games on back-to-back days starting Saturday, Nov. 12. The Regals will face UC Santa Cruz in their opening round match at 7:30 p.m. Concordia-Moorhead will face Puget Sound in the other Saturday contest set to begin at 5 p.m.

Sunday's final is currently scheduled for a 5 p.m. PST start. The tournament schedule is subject to change.

More information about each event will be provided later this week. Please visit the respective schedule pages for both volleyball and women's soccer for details.

Two Regals Named to Capital One Academic All-District Team

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Senior Rebekah Casas and sophomore Anna Medler have been named to the Capital One Academic All-District VIII Team as announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Official Release: Academic All-District Team

Casas earned her second straight academic all-district honor following a third team selection in 2010. The senior has maintained a 3.85 grade point average while pursuing her degree in psychology.

This season Casas has appeared in all but one game while making 11 starts as part of the Regals defensive unit. She has scored a career-high three goals this season and is part of a defensive unit that has allowed just 10 scores in 22 games on the year.

Medler earned the CoSIDA All-Academic honor in her first year of eligibility for the award. The sophomore has held a 3.86 grade point average in her year-plus of academic studies while attending Cal Lutheran.

The defender has earned a spot in the starting lineup in all but three of the team's 22 games this season. Medler is coming off a freshman season in which she was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-West Region and SCIAC Second Teams.

To be eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-District honors a student-athlete must carry at least a 3.30 GPA while contributing as either a starter or top reserve.

On Monday, Cal Lutheran received word it will be one of 16 institutions to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The Regals will begin their quest for the title on Saturday, Nov. 12, against UC Santa Cruz at William Rolland Stadium.

Playing the Waiting Game for NCAA Tournament Bracket Announcements

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The NCAA Tournament brackets will be announced for Division III volleyball at 8:30 a.m. PST and Division III women's soccer at 11 a.m. PST on the morning of Monday, Nov. 7.

Selection Show: Watch Live

Volleyball (8:30 a.m. PST)
Cal Lutheran volleyball will wait and see if it earns an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Regals won the regular season conference title for the second straight year and have been ranked nationally throughout the entire 2011 campaign.

Occidental earned the SCIAC's automatic qualifying spot into this year's NCAA playoffs. The Tigers held on for a five-set win over the Regals in the conference post-season tournament final this past Saturday. Cal Lutheran has made appearances in the past three NCAA Tournaments and five out of the last six overall. The Regals have won at least one match in their past four trips including an Elite Eight appearance in 2006.

For more D-III volleyball championship information, click here.

Women's Soccer (11 a.m. PST)
It is not a question of if, but rather whom, where and when the Cal Lutheran women's soccer team will begin its quest for an NCAA National Championship. The Regals won their second straight conference title and have been ranked as high as the top-10 in multiple national polls.

Cal Lutheran earned the SCIAC's automatic qualifying spot into the NCAA Tournament after outlasting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in the SCIAC Post-Season Tournament final this past Saturday night. A double overtime draw forced penalty kicks in which the Regals outlasted the Athenas by a 5-3 margin.

Cal Lutheran will make its 11th appearance in program history and its second in as many years. CLU women's soccer is looking to pick up its first NCAA Tournament victory this millennium after dropping its first match in 2010, 2007 and 2000.

For more D-III women's soccer championship information, click here.

Cal Lutheran Wins SCIAC Tournament in Shootout

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - It took a penalty kick shootout to decide which team would be named SCIAC Tournament champions. Cal Lutheran converted all five of its attempts in outlasting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps to earn the title.

Box Score: CLU 1, CMS 1 - F/PK

Nicole Rains put through the fifth and final penalty kick attempt giving Cal Lutheran the SCIAC Tournament title and assuring the Regals of their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Regals and Athenas were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation forcing the game into overtime. After two 10-minute overtime periods featuring near misses by both squads the tournament format requires a penalty shootout to determine which team receives the SCIAC's automatic berth into the NCAA post-season.

CMS starting goalkeeper Molly Freed made 10 saves and held the Regals scoreless over the final 108 minutes of play. However the Athenas coaching staff chose to substitute keepers putting in Hannah Dunham for the shootout.

Cal Lutheran went first led off by Kaitlin Walters who set the tone scoring low and to the right. Four of CLU's five attempts were sent to the right side of the goal with Lindsay Armenta the exception. Armenta went left and despite a deflection from Dunham her shot managed to get past the CMS keeper.

After Sinead Vaughan converted the third in a row for the home squad, CMS' Michele Barnhill struck her attempt low and wide left of the goal giving the Regals the upper hand.

Taylor Will went low and to the right for the fourth leaving Nicole Rains with the chance to secure the team's NCAA post-season bid leading 4-3 in PK's. Rains struck a similar ball to that of Will's for the clincher.

Cal Lutheran led throughout the majority of Saturday's contest after Armenta scored just 69 seconds after the opening whistle. She curled one across the face of the goal putting the home side ahead with the first shot of the game.

Neither team had many scoring chances in the opening half as both squads managed only three shots through 45 minutes. Despite Cal Lutheran firing off 16 more in the second half, CMS needed only one to tie the game.

From one freshman to another Athenas Elizabeth Augustine's pass was deflected out to teammate Isabel Lester inside the 18-yard box. Lester had open space and fired one past Regals goaltender Renee Standage for the equalizer in the 79th minute.

After tense moments for each side in both overtime periods a shootout was required to determine which team would secure its spot in the NCAA tournament. The game is officially scored as a draw with Cal Lutheran earning the automatic qualifying spot after winning the shootout.

Cal Lutheran (20-1-1) will find out the details of its opening round match on Monday, Nov. 7, at 1:30 p.m. during the NCAA's online selection show.

Cal Lutheran to Play for League Titles in Women's Soccer, Volleyball

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:00:00 PST

Championship Saturday is coming to Cal Lutheran University. The women's soccer and volleyball teams secured their spots to play for SCIAC Tournament titles with home victories on Thursday night.

Volleyball will face Occidental in the finals inside Gilbert Arena at 6 p.m. Women's soccer will host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 7 p.m. at William Rolland Stadium.

Both matches can be viewed live online by clicking here.

Freshman Taylor Will scored two goals to lead the women's soccer team to a 3-1 semifinal victory over Redlands at William Rolland Stadium.

The women's volleyball team utilized a balanced offensive effort to earn a chance to defend its title with a 25-15, 25-10, 25-23 semifinal victory over Whittier in Gilbert Arena.

It sets up a championship doubleheader at CLU on Saturday night with the volleyball team hosting Occidental in Gilbert Arena at 6 and the soccer team hosting Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at William Rolland Stadium at 7.

"I am stoked man. I couldn't be happier to see soccer make it through," CLU volleyball coach Kellee Roesel said. "I made it a quick postgame speech because there were 15 minutes still left in the soccer game once we finished. I told our girls, 'Good job. Practice tomorrow. Get over there and watch soccer.' "

The soccer victory was a bit of revenge considering Redlands knocked CLU out of the SCIAC and NCAA tournaments last season on CLU's home field.

Will scored the first goal of the game for CLU (20-1) in the 19th minute and notched the game-winner from about 35 yards out in the 54th minute.

Junior Mayra Virgen, a Hueneme High graduate, added an insurance goal in the second half as the Regals extended their winning streak to 17 straight games.

"We really played great. I thought it was one of our better games of the year, from start to finish," CLU soccer coach Frank Marino said. "We have talked about trying to play a full 90 minutes in a game as we get closer to the end of the season and I think we did that tonight against a really quality Redlands team."

Kylie McLogan, Shannon Pearson (Thousand Oaks) and Rachel Smith (Newbury Park) had eight kills apiece to lead the CLU volleyball team.

Setter Jackie Russell (Newbury Park) tallied 29 assists and Jacki Richards (Buena) had 11 digs for the Regals (26-5).

"I thought our blocking was fantastic and our serving was amazing," Roesel said. "Offensively, it was one of our best matches of the year. It's just one step at a time for us right now and I feel like we got better tonight, which is really important for us."

Regals Knock Out Redlands, Face CMS in Saturday Final

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:30:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Taylor Will scored twice as Cal Lutheran women's soccer prevailed 3-1 over Redlands in the SCIAC Post-Season Tournament semifinals on Thursday night.

Box Score: CLU 3, UR 1 - F

It was an eerily similar regular season to that of the year prior. Cal Lutheran won both of the 2010 and 2011 regular season meetings by 1-0 and 3-0 scores.

Identical to the year prior Cal Lutheran earned a SCIAC title and the honor of hosting its conference tournament semifinal against Redlands. The Bulldogs shut out the Regals in that matchup and again on CLU's home field in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.

Frank Marino and his Regals squad were given the opportunity to avenge those 2010 outcomes on Thursday night. They seized it during the first playoff game of any kind in William Rolland Stadium history.

Cal Lutheran had several early scoring opportunities over the opening 20 minutes including back-to-back shots in the penalty area from Kristina Hulse and Kaitlin Walters.

The Bulldogs escaped for just over 18 minutes before Will found open space and had only the goalkeeper to beat. Will dribbled around a charging Sabrina Grandke-Bawab and followed the ball home for the game's opening score.

Of the team's previous 16 matches the squad to score first had never lost (15-0-1). The streak was stretched to 17 on Thursday night but not before some tense moments.

Only 96 seconds later amidst a cheering CLU crowd did the Regals see flashbacks of last year's disappointing finish. UR's Fionna Connolly scored in both of last year's post-season victories over Cal Lutheran and she was back at it again.

From the far corner of the 18-yard box the inward curling attempt found the side netting over CLU goalkeeper Renee Standage for the equalizer. It is only the second goal Standage has allowed in nearly 900 minutes of action.

The score remained deadlocked heading into intermission and through the opening eight-plus minutes of the second half. Will again scored the go-ahead goal from an estimated 30 yards out using precision and touch to loft it over the Bulldogs goaltender.

She nearly completed her hat trick in the 66th minute single-handedly running through the Redlands defense before firing her attempt off the inside of the right post. Cal Lutheran held the slimmest of margins over Redlands and was looking to secure its spot into the tournament final.

CLU locked in its spot courtesy of Mayra Virgen with 11 minutes remaining in regulation. The feed from Nicole Rains bounced behind the Redlands back line and Virgen scooted through to finish off the scoring chance.

Marino earned the first post-season victory of his career and 51st win overall in his two-plus seasons at the helm of the Cal Lutheran program. The win ties him with George Kuntz (1989-92) for second on the all-time wins list in Regals history.

No. 2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps defeated No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer 3-0 in the other Thursday night semifinal. The Regals and Athenas will meet for the tournament title and the conference's one automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Cal Lutheran will host CMS on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. inside William Rolland Stadium.

Cal Lutheran Hosts Redlands in SCIAC Tournament Semifinal

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - The Cal Lutheran women's soccer team will host Redlands in its SCIAC Post-Season Tournament semifinal contest at William Rolland Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.

Watch Live: CLU Sports Live
Visitor Information: T.O. Campus
Campus Map: T.O. Campus

Children under the age of 12, current students, faculty and staff receive free admission. All others will be charged $5 to attend the match.

Cal Lutheran completed the SCIAC gauntlet unscathed posting a perfect 12-0-0 mark. Down the stretch the Regals won three of its final four contests by one goal margins including back-to-back overtime victories to finish the regular season.

CLU has not faced the Bulldogs at William Rolland Stadium this season. The Regals outlasted Redlands in overtime back on Sept. 17, at Mt. Clef Stadium. Cal Lutheran later defeated the Bulldogs on the road by a 3-0 margin on Oct. 12.

In 2010 Cal Lutheran defeated Redlands by 1-0 and 3-0 scores during the regular season. The Regals are hoping that is where the similarities end.

CLU looks to avenge a pair of post-season exits courtesy of last year's Bulldogs squad. Redlands defeated Cal Lutheran 2-0 in Thousand Oaks en route to the SCIAC Tournament title and automatic qualifying berth into the NCAA playoffs. The Bulldogs again defeated the Regals in the second round of the NCAA Tournament ending their season.

No. 2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps will host No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer in the other semifinal taking place simultaneously at 7 p.m. Both teams finished with identical 7-4-1 conference records but CMS won the head-to-head season series to earn the higher seed and hosting privileges.

The highest remaining seed following Thursday's results will host Saturday's final. A Cal Lutheran victory over Redlands would make William Rolland Stadium the site for Saturday night's final at 7 p.m.

Volleyball, Women's Soccer Ready for SCIAC Post-Season

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran women's volleyball coach Kellee Roesel never misses a chance to deliver a good rousing pep talk. When she saw the women's soccer team watching film the other day, Roesel popped in and tried to "rile them up a little bit.

"I told them we are all supporting them and to keep it going," Roesel said. "Our kids all get pumped for each other and root for each other. Everybody wants everybody to win."

Both programs have been doing a lot of that in the last two seasons.

They have each clinched their second straight outright Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and the top seeds in the SCIAC Tournaments.

The soccer team (19-1, 12-0) finished undefeated in conference play this season and has bettered the program single-season record for victories it set last season.

The No. 11 Regals will host their SCIAC Tournament semifinal on Thursday night at 7 at William Rolland Stadium against Redlands, which beat Cal Lutheran in the SCIAC Tournament and NCAA tournament last season.

"I think it's key we are hosting again and that we went undefeated in SCIAC. I think that should give us some confidence going in," CLU women's soccer coach Frank Marino said. "The teams have played us better the last couple of games and we have found ways to win, which I think is going to be crucial during the postseason."

The volleyball team (24-5, 12-1) plays its final regular-season match on Tuesday night at Pomona-Pitzer.

The No. 15 Regals will host both SCIAC Tournament semifinal matches on Thursday night at Gilbert Arena. CLU plays Whittier at 7:30 following the match between Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Occidental.

"The kids we lost from last year were huge, but our seniors and returners just put this team on their back and didn't have any lapses," Roesel said. "Our goals were the same, and I am really proud they have been able to keep up the tradition. I had a feeling we were going to be pretty good, but this group deserves all the credit for making it happen."

Marino and Roesel have developed a strong camaraderie over the years, and a bit of a friendly rivalry.

"We are both similar in that we are both very competitive and really want to push our women's teams to be as strong as they can be and push our teams to be better," Marino said. "We talk about who can clinch titles first and win more games, but it's all because we want each other to do well. I think there is a good vibe between the programs and Kellee and I not only want to have success within the SCIAC, but on a more national scale."

In that regard, both programs want to spare any stress by capturing the SCIAC Tournament titles this weekend and earning the conference's automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.

"It's the only way we can guarantee we are going to see the postseason," Roesel said. "I feel like these kids have another gear and I am hoping to see it in the next few weeks."

There is no doubt the soccer team is hoping to be along for the ride as well.

SCIAC Perfection Attained with Program Record 19th Win

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:00:00 PST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - A 2-1 overtime victory over Occidental on Saturday night secured a perfect conference regular season and program record 19th win this season.

Box Score: CLU 2, OXY 1 - F/OT

Nicole Rains provided the game-winning goal with the first shot attempt of extra time. It is the second straight match the Regals have won in overtime following Wednesday's 1-0 home win over Pomona-Pitzer.

"We are very excited and I am proud of our players," said third year Head Coach Frank Marino. "We knew it would be tough to repeat what we accomplished last year...our girls put in the work in the offseason and throughout this season."

Last year's Cal Lutheran squad set the program record with 18 victories en route to a SCIAC title. The 2011 team ran the table in conference play winning all 12 of its regular season matches and 19 of its 20 overall contests during the regular season. The team's lone loss was a 2-0 defeat at Hardin-Simmons, the defending NCAA National Champions.

It was not easy down the stretch as CLU had already clinched a conference title and the top seed for the conference post-season tournament with three SCIAC games left. Each of their next three opponents played them much tougher the second time around including a pair of overtime matches against Pomona-Pitzer and Occidental to close out the season.

"The way we have been able to win these last few games shows a lot about this team...it is important for us to win the tough ones and I think our comeback victory tonight is an example of this group's character and resolve."

Cal Lutheran had allowed only two goals in 11 conference games heading into Saturday night's contest. A defensive miscue allowed OXY's Whitney Roline to find Elissa Minamishin for the opening goal about 20 minutes after the opening whistle.

After conceding the score the Cal Lutheran defense allowed the Tigers to take just two off-target shot attempts over the final 73 minutes.

CLU trailed by a one goal margin for over an hour of game time before freshman Taylor Will fed a pass to spark a counterattack scoring opportunity that was finished off by Kristina Hulse in the 83rd minute.

Sinead Vaughan and Lindsay Armenta had game-winning goal chances in the final minutes of regulation but OXY net minder Taylor Renshaw made two of her six saves to force overtime.

At the 92:41 mark Rains cemented the 2011 squad as the seventh Regals team in program history to have an unblemished record without any conference losses or draws.

Cal Lutheran (19-1-0, 12-0-0 SCIAC) will host its SCIAC Post-Season Tournament semifinal contest on Thursday, Nov. 3, against Redlands. The Regals won by 1-0 and 3-0 margins during the regular season and are hoping to avenge a semifinal exit courtesy of the Bulldogs during last year's tournament.

Dramatic Finish Keeps Cal Lutheran Perfect in SCIAC

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:00:00 PST

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - As time expired in the first overtime period a free kick struck by senior Sinead Vaughan found the back of the net. It ended a scoreless tie with Pomona-Pitzer on Wednesday night at William Rolland Stadium.

Box Score: CLU 1, PP 0 - F/OT

A foul and yellow card issued to Pomona-Pitzer's Arianna Sanchez with one second left on the clock provided a final opportunity before heading into a second 10-minute overtime frame. Vaughan took the shot and placed into the nearside upper corner and over goalkeeper Emma Wolfarth for the game-winner.

Vaughan was one of seven seniors who were recognized during pre-game ceremonies as the match was the final regular season home game of their respective careers. It will be a night to remember for the group that also includes Rebekah Casas, Jessie Dingman, Jen Jones, Rosemarie Lombardi, Sam Van Gorder and Kaitlin Walters.

Both teams had premium scoring chances in regulation. Cal Lutheran's Jen Jones' header hit off the crossbar in the final minute of the first half and Kristina Hulse beat Wolfarth before having her shot deflected away by a Sagehen defender.

The Regals withstood the Sagehens' offensive flurry to begin the second half. CLU goalkeeper Renee Standage was forced to make four of her six saves during the opening 15 minutes of the period. She matched her career-high effort and improved her record to 11-0-0 with five solo shutouts.

Cal Lutheran (18-1-0, 11-0-0 SCIAC) equaled its program record for wins in a single season matching last year's total. The Regals have one game left to reset the record and complete a perfect conference season on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Occidental.

CLU Extends Win Streak to 14 Games

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:00:00 PST

WHITTIER, Calif. - CLU women's soccer stretched its shutout streak to over 13 hours following the team's eighth straight shutout victory at Whittier on Saturday. Jen Jones supplied the game-winner 97 seconds into regulation as the Regals downed the Poets 4-0.

Box Score: CLU 4, WC 0 - F

One shot, one goal and Cal Lutheran never looked back. The Regals earned a second minute corner kick and Jen Jones finished off the service from Sinead Vaughan for the go-ahead score.

Vaughan contributed her 12th assist of the season and is only one shy of Cal Lutheran's program record 13 set in 1994. She would later score on her own in the 25th minute putting the Regals up by two.

Teammate Nicole Rains score only 69 seconds after Vaughan's tally providing a 3-0 score that would hold until halftime. Today marked seventh time over the past nine contests that Rains has contributed either a goal or an assist for the Regals.

Mayra Virgen led all players taking four shots including three second half attempts. After having the first two blocked she broke through with her seventh score on the season in the 62nd minute of play.

Kristin Bailey and Tina Hedwall split goalkeeper duties to notch the team's 13th shutout in 17 games this season.

Cal Lutheran (17-1-0, 10-0-0 SCIAC) will play its final regular season home match on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. against Pomona-Pitzer.