In 2003, Elaine Benditson inspired the concept and the Cal Lutheran Scholar-Athlete Society was created to acknowledge the academic achievements of CLU athletes. The institution believes it is important to give special emphasis to those students who are competing rigorously to achieve excellence in the classroom and in their chosen sport. The Kingsmen and Regals honored during the ceremony have each proven to bring equal dedication and discipline to both the classroom and chosen fields of play.

Boasting a 3.40 or higher cumulative grade point average during the academic year, the 2013 induction class was the largest in the 10-year history of the society. The inaugural class had 36 inductees.

Of the student-athletes who participated in 2012-13, 62% (307 of 493) earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Nearly 30% (144) produced a 3.5 or higher GPA. The total GPA for all CLU sports teams this year was 3.147. Offering 20 intercollegiate sports, 16 of those teams produced higher team GPAs in 2012-13 than in 2011-12. Additionally, during the fall semester 12 athletes earned a perfect 4.0.

Following the presentation of gifts to those inducted, a pair of distinguished student-athletes was recognized. Senior golfer and bioengineering major Chad Kimmelshue and senior swimmer and liberal studies major Cortney Jordan were selected by the CLU Faculty Athletic Policies Committee as the Male and Female SCIAC Scholar Athlete, respectively.

While Kimmelshue was in Florida competing at the NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championships, Jordan, a two-time Paralympian and S7 American Record Holder in 17 events, took to the podium.

Going on to be an ambassador and speaker for the Paralympics, Jordan stepped up to the microphone where she engulfed the audience with a sincere and strong message. She spoke to four phenomenal points:

1. The gift of being in the moment.
2. Passion for what you are doing.
3. Focusing on teammates and how others will remember you and how you can make others feel good.
4. Never-Ever giving up!

During her speech she also touched on the notion of cherishing differences, respecting others, assuming responsibility and having no regrets.  

Cal Lutheran attracts students from all walks of life and areas of the world. Its diversity is unique and the passion that each and every student possesses is special. For many, one of those passions is sport, in turn producing amazing student-athletes for the Kingsmen and Regals year in and year out.

Scholar Athlete Society: 2013 Induction Class
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Christianson, a pitcher/outfielder, got better at the plate and on the mound as the season went on. During 28 conference games, Christianson led the Regals with a .349 average, notching 22hits. She also collected seven doubles, one triple and one homerun against conference opponents. As a pitcher, Christianson went 5-5 with a 3.77 ERA as CLU won 12 conference games in 2013, the most in 10 years. Christianson was second on the team with 14 appearances during SCIAC play. In 65 innings of work, she struck out 27 and gave up just two homeruns. Christianson earned SCIAC Athlete of the Week honors in early April after pitching back-to-back shutouts including an upset of No. 19 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Tinsley earns Second Team honors in her second and final season for CLU. A transfer from the University of Arizona, Tinsley finished her career fourth all-time for homeruns (11) at Cal Lutheran. During 2013 conference play, Tinsley collected 16 hits with five doubles, one triple and three homeruns. She also led the team with 14 RBIs against SCIAC opponents. Tinsley led CLU to a sweep over No. 22 Chapman in the second-to-last series of the year when she ripped a two-run double into the gap and kick-started a five-run inning for the Regals. A team captain, the catcher was also solid defensively. The senior finished with 77 put outs and 13 assists to just two errors for a .978 fielding percentage. She also threw out 10 would-be base stealers.

Redlands pitcher Kayla Uphold was named the SCIAC Player of the Year while Claremont-Mudd-Scripps’ freshman Katie Savard was named the Rookie of the Year. Uphold finished the regular season 22-7 with a 1.51 ERA. She currently leads the nation with 174.1 innings pitch. In her first year as an Athena, Savard hit .384 with 11 doubles, three homeruns and 33 RBIs.

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps led all schools with six selections while the La Verne and Redlands had three.

Release: 2013 Softball All-SCIAC Teams
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After allowing an unearned run in the bottom of the first of game one, CLU responded in the top half of the second when Christina Hunter singled back up the middle and was later driven in on a sacrifice fly from Lockwood, knotting the teams up at 1-1.

Cal Lutheran had a scoring chance in the third inning when Brittany Labbe singled to lead off the inning and later Shonna Christianson doubled to put runners at second and third. Unfortunately for CLU, Whittier starting pitcher Jessica Rosnack was able to buckle down and get a foul-out for the final out of the inning, stranding the two runners.

Whittier got the eventual game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth after Alexandra Flores led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and then came home on a sacrifice fly from Samantha Mellano.

The Regals tried to mount a last inning rally when they loaded the bases with no outs. Undeterred, Rosnack got three straight strikeouts to end the rally and secure the win for the Poets.

Downing (6-11) took the complete-game loss for the Regals, tossing 6.0 innings and allowing just two runs.

Labbe led CLU with three hits while Hunter chipped in with two.

Rosnack (9-5) went all 7.0 innings to earn the win for the Poets.

Mellano, who was 2-for-2 with both RBIs, was the leading hitter for Whittier.

Cal Lutheran showed poise and resolve in game two however, breaking through for six runs in the top of the third during game two. After Debben Hoffer led off with a single, Lockwood blasted a two-run homerun to put CLU up 2-0. Sakamoto followed with a single and Labbe reached on an error before Lewis drove both in on a single to left field. A batter later, Christianson had an RBI single of her own and then Hunter capped the inning with a sacrifice fly to put CLU up 6-0.

Whittier would get three runs back in the bottom of the inning but Lewis would blast her first career homerun in the top of the sixth to give CLU the 9-3 lead.

Lewis, (4-4) who came on in relief of Christianson in the bottom of the third, would close out the final five innings to earn the win.

The freshman, who was 3-for-4 with four RBIs in game two, has come on strong of late, batting .411 with nine RBIs over her last six games.

Sakamoto also had two hits in the win for the Regals while Shannon Tinsley reached base three times in her final appearance for the violet and gold.

Courtney DeLano (12-6) earned the loss in game two after getting touched up for nine runs on 10 hits in 6.0 innings of work.

Mellano again led Whittier offensively, notching three hits in game two.

Cal Lutheran (17-21, 12-16 SCIAC) concludes its season with 12 SCIAC victories, the most in 10 seasons. Whittier wraps up its season at 21-14 overall and 14-14 in the SCIAC. Redlands edged Claremont-Mudd-Scripps by one game to earn the regular season conference championship. Chapman finished third and La Verne came in fourth.

Game 1: WC 2 CLU 1
Game 2: CLU 9 WC 3
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Cal Lutheran struck first in game one when Tinsley, who was hitless in her last 10 at bats, laced a double into the right-center field gap to score Kayla Sakamoto. Tinsley actually moved to third when the relay throw got away from the shortstop but she was stranded as Chapman starting pitcher Cassie Oregel got the next Regal to fly out and end the inning.

Chapman quickly retook the lead in the top of the second when Kerry Peterson led off with a double off the right field wall. She was brought in two batters later after Rhianna Stepler-Camp delivered a single back up the middle. The Panthers took the lead when Karina Muniz scored on a CLU error and then broke the game open with a three-run double Lisa Perez, putting CU up 5-1.

The Regals pulled even with the Panthers in bottom of the fourth with four runs. Tinsley led off by getting hit by a pitch and later scoring thanks to a double from Shonna Christianson. The next batter, Christina Hunter, beat out what looked like a routine ground ball to the second basemen, allowing Ryanna Morua to score. After Liz Mertel singled, Katelyn Downing lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Christianson. CLU got one more run when Sakamoto hit a dribbler to the third baseman who was unable to field it cleanly, letting the tying-run to score.

Lockwood came up with the winning hit in the bottom of the when she went the opposite way to deliver a two-out run scoring single, putting CLU up 6-5.

After Blake Lewis walked the first batter of the top of the seventh, she got two fielder’s choice ground outs before Sakamoto made a highlight-reel diving grab in centerfield to give the Regals their second win over a ranked opponent this season.

Lewis (2-4) earned the win after coming on in relief in the third inning. The freshman went 5.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit.

Hunter and Lockwood had two hits an RBI each to lead the Regals offensively.

Oregel (11-5) suffered the complete game loss for the Panthers.

Perez led the Panthers with one hit and three RBIs.

Game two saw the teams exchange runs in the second inning and it wasn’t before Tinsley missed a homerun by mere inches but instead settled for the go-ahead two-run double in the bottom of the fifth. The Regals would eventually push across five runs in the inning including an RBI double from Lewis and pinch-hit RBI single from Danika Green.

Christianson (6-6) went all seven innings and allowed just six hits while striking out four. She also added two hits at the plate.

Lewis went 2-for-2 while Brittany Labbe also had two hits for the Regals.

CU starting pitcher Natalie Both (11-6) took the loss for the Panthers. Jenny Richards was the lone Panther to have two hits in game two.

Cal Lutheran (16-20, 11-15 SCIAC) closes out its 2013 season Saturday, April 20, when it travels to Whittier to take on the Poets for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for noon.

Game 1: CLU 6 CU 5
Game 2: CLU 6 CU 2
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Headed by SAAC president Lauren Rasmussen, the committee filled an entire van’s worth of balls from various sports as well as all types of equipment. “The biggest thing with this event is that it is something that the SAAC wants to turn into an annual event during DIII Week,” Rasmussen said. “The connection to athletics with equipment collection, plus the opportunity to give back to the community by donating items that student-athletes are involved with competitively every day is very rewarding.”

Softball head coach and coordinator of the SAAC, Debby Day, along with the rest of the committee would like to thank everyone that participated and donated.

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Cal Lutheran hosted Pomona-Pitzer as one of four sites on Saturday participating in a fundraiser for the Zoe to Zoe Strike Out Cancer Project. Softball Bingo was played and general donations were collected. Overall, five campuses sponsored events at softball games over the weekend and joined forces to raise $1,857, which will all be donated to the Feldman family of Agoura Hills.

After meeting both teams and throwing out ceremonial first pitches, Little Zoe with a little help from her father, Jeffrey, and Big Zoe firing a fast-pitch strike to CLU starting catcher Shannon Tinsleythe teams converged in front of the plate for a photo opportunity as a united group.

The story started nearly a year ago when Little Zoe was diagnosed with sarcoma botryoides, a rare type of malignant tumor that appears in the muscle tissue attached to the bone. Only several hundred new cases are identified each year in the United States. Since her diagnosis she has endured 42 weeks of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.

Throughout the entire process the motto of the family has been: We Got This! Along with the high spirits, the medical bills also grew to significant heights, forcing a number of fundraisers to be generated to aid the family. Because of those efforts, the Feldman family grew a special fan, friend and supporter.

Big Zoe, a 12-year-old pitcher was at a softball tournament where she saw the flyer about raising money for Little Zoe. While they had never met, Big Zoe was drawn to Little Zoe and decided to start raising money on her own. She began collecting donations for the Feldman family for each strikeout during her summer softball season and by June of 2012, the two Zoes had not only met, but had become friends.

Big Zoe has since started her own group – the Zoe to Zoe Helping Hands Project, which encourages others to do good deeds. Big Zoe has spoken to numerous groups, encouraging them to reach out to others. Both Zoes have had tremendous impacts on others.

This weekend was an example of the eight SCIAC softball programs coming together to reach out to the Feldman family and fighting cancer in the third annual Strike Out Cancer games.

Donations can still be made. For more information please contact Debby Day, head softball coach at Cal Lutheran, at dday@callutheran.edu.  

Media Coverage: Thousand Oaks Acorn
The Recipient: Zoe Feldman
Strike Out Cancer Project: Zoe Ballen
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Saturday also marked SCIAC softball teams participating in the third annual Strike Out Cancer campaign. Cal Lutheran honored This year it has an extra special connection to Cal Lutheran with all proceeds going to the family of three-year old Zoe Feldman, an Agoura Hills resident.

Downing got the start in the circle in game one but Pomona-Pitzer struck first in the top of the second inning when Emily Glass’s single took a fortuitous hop past the CLU right fielder and she cruised into third base thanks to the two-base error. Caitlyn Hynes then stepped in and ripped a hard-hit liner to down the third base line. The Cal Lutheran third baseman got a glove on it but couldn’t come up with it and the ball trickled into left field allowing Glass to score for the first run of the game.

The Sagehens threatened again in the top of the third when Susan Boden led off with a double down the left field line and moved to third on a passed ball but Downing buckled down and got a ground-out and two strikeouts to end the scoring chance.

Cal Lutheran carried the momentum into the bottom half of the inning when Christianson was hit by a pitch and Kayla Sakamoto singled through right side to put runners at first a second. Brittany Labbe then hit a fly ball that the Sagehens center fielder couldn’t track down, loading the bases. After an eight-pitch at bat, Shannon Tinsley worked an RBI walk to get CLU on the board. Blake Lewis then gave CLU its first lead when she lifted a fly ball into left field and allowed Sakamoto to score on the sacrifice fly.

Pomona-Pitzer pulled even in the top of the fourth when Paige Oliver singled in Glass who led off the inning with a double off the wall.

After the Regals surrendered a run in the top of the fifth, Lewis notched her second RBI of the day in the bottom half of the inning when she drove a double to the right-field fence, plating Sakamoto and tying the score at 3-3.

Following a scoreless sixth, Pomona-Pitzer led off the top of the inning with back-to-back singles, the Sagehens took the lead when Lauren Boden hit a groundball to Downing, who was unable to field it. S. Boden, who was at third, initially hesitated before breaking late for home but CLU shortstop Ryanna Morua, who fielded the stray grounder, never saw her leave and the Sagehens scored the go-ahead run.

The Regals would rally however in the bottom of the seventh. Sakamoto led off the inning with a bloop single and then alertly advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Labbe. Lewis followed with her second sacrifice fly of the game to tie the score at 4-4 and sending the game into extra innings.

After Downing retired Pomona-Pitzer in order in the top of the eighth, Christina Hunter reached on error to lead off the inning. Liz Mertel laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Hunter to second and Downing sent the third pitch of the bat into the right-center gap for a walk-off RBI double as CLU earned its first extra-inning win of the year.

Downing (6-10) pitched all eight innings to earn the win. She allowed just two earned runs while striking out a season-high seven.

In addition to Downing’s game-winning RBI double, CLU was led offensively by Sakamoto who had three hits and Lewis drove in three.

Fiona Riley (5-18) suffered the complete-game loss, tossing 7.1 innings while allowing seven hits and two unearned runs.

S. Boden led the Sagehens offensively with a 2-for-2 performance at the plate.

Cal Lutheran picked up right it left off in game two, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Christianson led off the inning with an infield single and later came home on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, Sakamoto scored on a Sagehen error as CLU went up by two runs.

Pomona-Pitzer scratched across a run in the top of the third and looked to have another when Glass laced a shot through the right side of the infield but Labbe made a perfect throw to first base to get the runner and get out of the inning.

Cal Lutheran pushed across a run in the second, third and fourth to increase its lead to 5-1.

The Regals enforced the mercy-rule in thanks to a wild four-run fifth inning. Hunter and Debben Hoffer both singled to start the inning and Hunter was brought in by a Christianson single. On the next play, and a wild one at that, Labbe laced a base hit to left field, driving in Hoffer and Taylor Beacham and then scored herself after Pomona-Pitzer made two throwing errors, giving CLU the win.

Christianson (5-6) earned the complete-game win, allowing just one run on five hits. She also went 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored. Labbe and Hoffer also had two hits in the win.

Caitlyn Hynes (3-3) suffered the loss for the Sagehens, giving up four runs on three hits.

Leah Bleichner led Pomona-Pitzer offensively with two hits.

Cal Lutheran (14-20, 9-15 SCIAC) surpassed its win total from last year with the victories Saturday. The Regals will be back in action Friday, April 19, when they host Chapman at 2:00 p.m.

Game 1: CLU 5 PP 4 (8 innings)
Game 2: CLU 9 PP 1 (5 innings)
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Game one starting pitcher Katelyn Downing was on the short-end of a pitcher’s duel in game one as Redlands starter Kayla Uphold held Cal Lutheran to just two hits. Downing was strong through five innings, limiting the Bulldogs to two runs and five hits.

Cal Lutheran had its best scoring chance in the bottom of the fourth when Kayla Sakamoto led off the inning with a base hit through the right side of the infield. Brittany Labbe then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Sakamoto to second. However, Uphold would get a strikeout and a web-gem from second baseman Amanda Clark, who made a diving-catch in foul territory to end the inning.

Unfortunately for Cal Lutheran, Redlands broke the game open when it strung together five straight singles to score five runs in the top of the sixth and increased its lead to 7-0.

Downing (5-10) suffered the hard-luck loss. The senior gave up 12 hits over 6.0 innings of work while getting 11 ground-ball outs. Liz Mertel had solid game defensively, finishing with a game-high six put-outs.

Christina Hunter had the other hit for the Regals in game one.

Uphold earned the win and improved her season record to 18-5, tops in the SCIAC.

Clark and AJ Carrasco each went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Bulldogs offensively.

Game two saw CLU starting pitcher Shonna Christianson extend her scoreless-innings pitched streak to 16.2 before Redlands pieced together three-straight hits with two outs and scored two runs in the top of the third and take the first lead of the game.

Cal Lutheran threatened the following inning when Danika Green singled through the right side and then Ryanna Morua, who pinch-ran for Green, stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. The Regals were unable to capitalize with Redlands starting pitcher Nikoli Sharp getting a groundout to end the inning.

Two Regal errors led to Redlands scoring four unearned runs in the top of the fourth to push its lead to 6-0.

CLU atoned for its defensive errors the following inning with Morua fielding a ground ball in the hole behind second base and throwing a strike on the run to get the runner at first. Two pitches later, Mertel fielded a short-hop on the run and made a perfect throw across the infield. Mertel then completed the stellar defense inning, fielding a hot-shot backhanded for the final out of the inning.

Down to the last out, Blake Lewis blasted a double off the right-field wall to give CLU its first extra-base hit of the day. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs picked off the CLU base runner at second base to end the game.

Despite suffering the loss, Christianson (4-6) gave up just seven hits and struck out two. Lewis came on in relief in the top of the fifth and had her strongest pitching outing her career, not allowing a hit in three scoreless innings while striking out two.

Sakamoto had the only other hit for the Regals.

Sharp (5-0) earned the win for the Bulldogs, allowing just one hit over 4.0 innings.

Sarah Beeman was 3-for-4 with two RBIs as the Bulldogs won their 14th game in a row.

Cal Lutheran (12-20, 7-15 SCIAC) has a quick turnaround as it hosts Pomona-Pitzer for a doubleheader, Saturday, April 13, at Hutton Field starting at noon. The game also marks the third annual Strike Out Cancer project with this year’s proceeds going to the Zoe to Zoe Strike Out Cancer Project. Zoe Ballen and Zoe Feldman will both throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Game 1: UR 7 CLU 0
Game 2: UR 6 CLU 0
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The story started nearly a year ago when Feldman, also known as Little Zoe, was diagnosed with sarcoma botryoides, a rare type of malignant tumor that appears in the muscle tissue attached to the bone. Only several hundred new cases are identified each year in the United States. Since her diagnosis she has endured 42 weeks of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.

Throughout the entire process the motto of the family has been: We Got This! Along with the high spirits, the medical bills also grew to significant heights, forcing a number of fundraisers to be generated to aid the family. Because of those efforts, the Feldman family grew a special fan, friend and supporter.

Zoe Ballen (Big Zoe), a 12-year-old pitcher was at a softball tournament where she saw the flyer about raising money for Little Zoe. While they had never met, Big Zoe was drawn to Little Zoe and decided to start raising money on her own. She began collecting donations for the Feldman family for each strikeout during her summer softball season.

By June of 2012, the two Zoes had not only met, but had become friends. They watch TV together, do their nails, run and giggle – just like little girls should. Big Zoe has also attended numerous Cal Lutheran softball games and practices and has become part of the Regals softball family.

Big Zoe has since started her own group – the Zoe to Zoe Helping Hands Project, which encourages others to do good deeds. Big Zoe has spoken to numerous groups (including the CLU Softball team, which collected items to send over to a troop in Afghanistan as their “Zoe” project), encouraging them to reach out to others. Both Zoes have had tremendous impacts on others.

Saturday, all eight SCIAC softball teams playing at four different fields are sponsoring their own Strike Out Cancer events with all proceeds being sent to the Zoe Strike Out Cancer Project. At Cal Lutheran, softball BINGO cards will be available for $3 apiece and two for $5. Donations are also welcome and checks can be payable to Zoe Feldman.

 All funds raised today by the SCIAC schools will be given to the Feldman family.

Not only will student-athletes be playing for the Zoes, but the Regals and visiting Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens will be in the presence of the remarkable duo. Together, Big Zoe and Little Zoe will throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of the first game of a doubleheader at Hutton Field set to begin at noon.

Media Coverage: Thousand Oaks Acorn
The Recipient: Zoe Feldman
Strike Out Cancer Project: Zoe Ballen
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Christianson had an outstanding week both on the mound and at the plate in a pair of series against No. 19 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Occidental, leading the Regals to a 3-1 showing. CLU has now won eight of their last nine games.

She was 2-0 from the circle with a 0.00 ERA, not allowing a run in 12.0 innings, while striking out four. At the plate, she created a four-game hit-streak after going 5-for-11 (.455 average) with a double, three runs and an RBI. She notched a .636 slugging percentage on the weekend and added a pair of walks.

Friday afternoon in a split with nationally ranked CMS, the sophomore helped CLU snap a 16-game losing streak against the Athenas by throwing a complete game shut-out in which she struck out three. The upset also marked the first time Cal Lutheran has defeated a ranked opponent in more than two years.

On Saturday she kept things rolling by earning her second consecutive complete game shutout as CLU defeated Occidental 9-0 in five innings, recording one strike out. The Rohnert Park, Calif. native pushed her consecutive scoreless inning streak to 14.0.

Cal Lutheran (12-18, 7-13 SCIAC) is still in the hunt for a bid to the SCIAC Post Season Tournament. The Regals need to earn a top-4 finish in the conference standings to advance. CLU has eight games remaining in the regular season with six contests at home. CLU will host No. 10 Redlands on Friday, April 15 for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Hutton Field.  

Release: SCIAC AOW – April 9
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There are 178,441 DIII student-athletes as compared to 459,253 in Division I and II combined from coast to coast. Division III, however, represents the largest division in the NCAA at 40 percent of the total membership.

The NCAA sponsors 28 Championship events with 14 for men and 14 for women. There are also eight National Collegiate Championships. Overall, CLU sponsors 20 intercollegiate athletic programs, which is above the average (17) of like institutions.

Cal Lutheran is one of the 80 percent of active institutions that are private with 20 percent of DIII schools on public campuses. Across the board the average enrollment of Division III schools is 2,734.

All of the schools that fall in the Division III category are expected to promote the model of discover, develop and dedicate. CLU is right on track with that mantra by succeeding academically and athletically while giving back to the community.

In 2013 there will be CLU 147 student-athletes inducted into the Scholar Athlete Society by holding a 3.40 or higher cumulative grade point average. This number is higher than it has ever been and numerous student-athletes throughout the season have earned both Academic All-SCIAC and other sport specific academic accolades.

CLU teams have been just as successful on the field, court, course and in the pool with 10 teams earning national rankings in 2012-13. Both men’s golf and women’s water polo have held No. 1 rankings in their respective polls this year. CLU teams have claimed four Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) titles thus far with four teams and one athlete advancing to NCAA Championship play. The spring sports have much hope to increase those numbers with more than half of the teams in the hunt for a league title.

Beyond those two areas, CLU students have also taken time to give back. One example is the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that is headed in 2012-13 by Lauren Rasmussen. She and the other SAAC members have put together a community service project in conjunction with DIII Week.

The group is scheduled to do a Ball and Old Sports Equipment Drive throughout the week of April 8-12. Items will be collected both at the Welcome Desk of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center during all hours of operation and in the Athletics Offices during operating business hours (9-5). Additionally, SAAC members will be stationed at the flagpole on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to collect items. All donations will be delivered to the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Conejo Valley.

“The biggest thing with this event is that it is something that the SAAC wants to turn into an annual event during DIII Week and we are really excited about it,” Rasmussen said. “The connection to athletics with equipment collection, plus the opportunity to give back to the community by donating items that student-athletes are involved with competitively every day is very rewarding.”

Student Life will be sponsoring a series of student giveaways at a variety of athletic events during Division III Week as well.

Cal Lutheran sunglasses will be given out at Men’s Tennis against No. 1 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Poulson Tennis Center to kick off the weekend. On Wednesday, April 10 the water polo team will host Caltech and rally towels will be handed out at the entrance to the Samuelson Aquatics Center. Women’s Tennis fans will have a chance to claim sunglasses on Friday, April 12 when the Regals host Occidental at 2:00 p.m. At Hutton Field softball will host Redlands where seat cushions will be available for student fans at 2:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. in Ullman Stadium baseball fans can obtain a stadium cup as the Kingsmen host Whittier. Additionally, free Shave It coupons will be distributed to the first 250 students at any of the games.

Finally, the dining commons will be offering sports themed meals and snacks throughout the week, including a nacho bar, Dodger Dogs, peanuts and popcorn, BBQ Tri-Tip sandwiches and soft pretzels with cheese sauce.

“Excitement is beginning to be generated around Division III week on campus,” Director of Athletics Dan Kuntz shared. “We are looking forward to being a part of this unique campaign to promote Division III and the student-athletes we support year in and year out.”

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Game one saw Cal Lutheran limited to just six hits but the Regals but had timely hitting in the top of the fifth inning as they pushed across three runs. Shonna Christianson led off with a double to left center and advanced to third after Katelyn Dowing successfully laid down a bunt-single. The Regals then executed a safety-squeeze and Liz Mertel bunted to the right-side of the infield to drive in Christianson while Downing moved to third. Christina Hunter then delivered a sacrifice fly to right field that drove in Downing and pulled CLU even with the Tigers at 2-2. Cal Lutheran’s leading hitter, Kelly Lockwood, gave the Regals the lead for good when she lined a triple on the next pitch down the right field line and then scored when the relay throw got away from the third basemen, putting CLU up 3-2.

After Occidental scored in the third and fourth, Downing (5-9) settled in over the final three innings, scattering five hits while going the distance to earn her fifth win of the year.

Brittany Labbe and Kayla Sakamoto had the other hits for the Regals while Ali Goldberg and Julia Nichol each had two hits for the Tigers.

Brittany Vacura (6-10) suffered the complete-game loss for Occidental.

Game two saw Cal Lutheran capitalize off five Tiger errors and stand-out pitching performance from Christianson as CLU blanked Occidental 9-0 in five innings.

Lockwood got Cal Lutheran on the board in the top of the first when she doubled to left center and later scored on a passed ball. The Regals then got two more runs in the top of the second when Lockwood lifted an RBI-single into left field that Christianson scored on. A batter later, Debben Hoffer came home on a wild pitch that put CLU up 3-0.

The Regals exploded for six runs in the top of the fifth led by three straight singles to begin the inning. Tinsley led off with a base hit to right field while Ryanna Morua followed a bunt-single. Christianson then notched her third hit of the game when she drove in Tinsley and Morua with a two-run a base hit. CLU continued its offensive charge when pinch-runner Stephanie Banyi scored when Lockwood was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Christianson (4-5) shut the door after allowing two hits in the bottom of the fifth to earn the complete-game shutout.  

Lockwood again led the charge with two hits while Christianson also added two knocks to lead CLU offensively.

Patricia Phi and Nichol had two hits apiece for the Tigers in the loss while Ali Goldberg was tagged with the loss.

Cal Lutheran (12-18, 7-13 SCIAC) will hope to continue its winning ways when it hosts No. 10 Redlands Friday, April 12, at Hutton Field. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.

Game 1: CLU 3 Oxy 2
Game 2: CLU 9 Oxy 0 (5)
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In the first game, CLU collected just four hits with both Shonna Christianson and Brittany Labbe doubling and Christina Hunter and Blake Lewis singling. In the top of the seventh, two of those hits came in back-to-back at-bats with Christianson driving in Lewis for the lone Regals run of the contest, as the six-run deficit was too much for the Violet and Gold to overcome.

Katelyn Downing (4-9) was tagged with the loss in a complete game, 6.0 inning, effort in which she struck out a pair. Hayley Schultz (15-3) earned the win for CMS.    

The second game belonged to the Regals though they were outhit nine to six. CLU made the six count while the defense played errorless softball and Christianson worked out of bases loaded jams in both the fourth and fifth innings to preserve the shutout.

CLU put up a crooked number in the top of the second on four consecutive hits from Lewis, Christianson, Debben Hoffer and Liz Mertel with the final hit plating Lewis with the ultimate winning run.

The victory did not come easily as CMS battled. With one out in the fourth, the Athenas loaded the bags on a pair of singles and a hit batter, but Christianson remained focused, getting a strike out and ground ball to second baseman Ryanna Morua to end the threat.

An inning later, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps put three on again by way of two hits and a walk, but again Christianson squashed the opportunity by forcing a fly ball to Kayla Sakamoto in left centerfield for the final out of the frame.

In the top of the seventh the Regals would push one more run across the plate with Kelly Lockwood scoring when Labbe reached on an error.

Christianson (4-5) struck out three in her first shutout of the season.

Overall today Hunter and Sakamoto were each perfect in the field with eight putouts. Tinsley was also errorless behind the plate with seven putouts and a pair of assists, including a caught stealing. Lockwood was on the other end of that play as she finished with five putouts and four assists at shortstop.

Offensively, Christianson was 2-for-5 with a walk and an RBI and Lewis was 2-for-6 with a pair of runs. Mertel had an RBI and Lockwood scored a run.

Cal Lutheran (10-18, 5-13) will be on the road at Occidental (11-19, 2-16) for a pair tomorrow at Bell Field. First pitch is set for noon.

Game 1: CMS 6, CLU 1
Game 2: CLU 2, CMS 0
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The current squad worked with former CLU softball player, Kathleen Watson-Otani, who is the current coach of both the e-LEMON-ators and Goofy Goobers TOGSA travel teams. Together the group sent more than 100 pounds of items to the 1-169^th Fox Company stationed in Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan where Watson-Otani’s brother Brian is serving for the United States of America.

During the March 9 games against Occidental, the Regals asked fans to write a quick note to the troops, which were included in the care packages sent overseas.

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In the first game, HU struck first in the top of the first with a trio of consecutive hits with a triple, double and single, putting up the first crooked number. A line-drive at Lockwood turned into an inning-ending double-play when she stepped on second.

CLU plated a pair in the third. Lockwood drove in Ryanna Morua before Kayla Sakamoto legged out an infield single and a HU fielding error allowed Lockwood to double the run total.

Hamline retaliated by tying the game in the top of the fourth by way of two singles and a CLU error.

In the CLU half of the sixth inning, eight Regals stepped into the box. Blake Lewis led off with a single and Shonna Christianson bunted for a single. After Liz Mertel moved the runners up with a sacrifice bunt, Danika Green pinch hit. She gave herself a great 21^st birthday present with an RBI single to left field, breaking the tie. Morua went on to bunt for a hit of her own loading the bases for Lockwood. With one swing of the junior leadoff batter cleared the bases and gave Cal Lutheran a six-run cushion.

Needing just three outs to put it in the books, CLU was tested as the Hamline offense woke up. A pair of doubles, a single and a CLU error allowed the Pipers to plate three more runs, but a pair of pop ups to shortstop ended the HU threat as Katelyn Downing (4-8) closed out a complete game effort from the circle.

Lockwood was 3-for-5 with five RBIs and two runs scored and Sakamoto was 2-for-4 in a nine-hit game for the Regals.

For Hamline, Jamie Rubbelke, Stephanie Borndale and Jenna Dushaw had two hits apiece as the Pipers collected 10. Lauren Clouston (2-2) was tagged with the loss, allowing six earned runs and striking out a pair.

The dramatics continued in the second of the double-dip. CLU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first frame on an RBI double to the right centerfield gap by Brittany Labbe, which scored Lockwood who reached on an error.

That lead held until the top of the fifth when a pair of CLU errors on the same play, coupled with a single and a suicide squeeze gave Hamline a 2-1 lead. With two down in the inning, Christianson handed the ball to Lewis, who sat the final batter down on a swinging strike out.

Lewis went on to toss 2.1 innings of scoreless softball, getting a 5-3 double-play to end the sixth after a strike out to start the frame. The freshman also started the top of the seventh with a strike out. An error allowed pinch hitter Elaina Hamman to reach, bringing the top of the order back to the plate for the Pipers. A sacrifice bunt was fielded cleanly by Mertel for the second out and a ground ball to the hot corner ended the inning.

With one last chance, the CLU offense dug in. Downing took advantage of a second opportunity after a dropped foul pop up to the catcher allowed her to stroke a pinch-hit single to lead it off. Mertel layed down another sac bunt and Christina Hunter drew a walk. After a foul pop up for the second out, Lockwood stepped back up to the plate. She promptly lined a two-RBI double into right centerfield to send the CLU dugout into a frenzy as the Regals completed a sweep on a perfect spring afternoon.

In a game that saw just eight combined hits and five combined errors, CLU had the edge.

Lewis (1-4) earned the first win of her collegiate career; with three Ks. Christianson lasted 4.2 innings, striking out a pair. Brianna Vela (2-2) was tagged with the loss.

Bethany Hine had all three HU hits in a 3-for-3 game with an RBI.

Overall today, Lockwood was 4-for-9 with seven RBIs and three runs for CLU.

Cal Lutheran (7-17) will being the final stretch of Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) play on Friday, April 5 when the Regals travel to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps for a pair beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Game 1: CLU 8, HU 5   
Game 2: CLU 3, HU 2
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Cal Lutheran scored early and often in game one, pushing across six runs in each of the first three innings. The Regals benefited from two Bruin errors in the first inning before Shannon Tinsley blasted a double down the right field line to score Kelly Lockwood and Kayla Sakamoto. A batter later, Blake Lewis drove in Tinsley and Brittany Labbe on a base-hit through the right side. Later in the inning, Lockwood came up with her second hit of the inning, this time driving in Christina Hunter and putting CLU up 6-0.

The Regals pieced together four straight singles to start the bottom of the second inning. Shonna Christianson and Hunter had back-to-back singles to put CLU up by eight runs. Cal Lutheran would later score four unearned runs on three Bruin errors, pushing the lead to 12-0.

Ryanna Morua and Tinsley each had two-run singles in the bottom of the third to put the game out of reach and give CLU its first mercy-rule victory since it beat Puget Sound 10-0 last season.

11 different Regals had at least one hit in game one with Tinsley leading the way with a 2-for-3, four RBI performance. Lockwood was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored while Lewis was 2-for-2 with two RBIs as well.

Not to be outdone by the offense, CLU starting pitcher Katelyn Downing (3-8) was equally impressive, allowing just four hits in the complete-game victory.

Kat Hylton was 2-for-2 at the plate for the Bruins while Amanda Woods (1-2) earned the loss on the mound.

Game two started out much the same as the first with the Regals scoring three runs in both the first and second inning. Tinsley got CLU on the board first with an RBI-single that scored Lockwood and then CLU benefited from a three-base error by the Bruins right fielder, plating Tinsley and Lewis.

Cal Lutheran pushed across three more runs in the bottom of the second thanks to an RBI double from Lockwood, a sacrifice fly from Labbe and another RBI single from Tinsley.

The tables would turn however as the Cal Lutheran bats would cool off over the next two innings and George Fox began to find its rhythm at the plate.

Trailing 6-1 in the top of the third, George Fox scored in three straight innings to pull within 6-4.

Liz Mertel came through in the clutch in the bottom of the sixth when she delivered a two-run base hit, putting CLU up 8-4.

George Fox responded with two more runs in the top of the sixth but the Regals got two two-run singles from both Mertel and Lockwood to put the game out of reach.

Lockwood led CLU at the plate going 3-for-5 with three RBIs while Mertel was 3-for-4 with three RBIs as well. Tinsley had three hits and two RBIs in game two. 

Christianson (4-5) earned her second straight victory on the mound, going three innings and allowing two runs on six hits.

Rachel Fielder (3-2) suffered the loss for the Bruins, allowing four runs on nine hits.

Cal Lutheran continues its non-conference schedule when they host Hamline (Minn.) on Tuesday, March 26. First pitch at Hutton Field is set for 11:00 a.m.

Game 1: CLU 18 GFU 0 (5 innings)
Game 2: CLU 12 GFU 8
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It was the Regals that jumped out in front in game one, scoring two runs in the first inning. With two outs, Shannon Tinsley smacked a solo homerun off the scoreboard to put CLU up 1-0. After Liz Mertel walked, Brittany Labbe laced an RBI-double into centerfield, extending the Regals lead to two runs.

The Regals would tack on another run in the bottom of the third when Labbe came up with her second RBI-base hit of the game and pushing the CLU lead to 3-0.

The lead would hold until Whittier pushed across three runs in the top of the sixth.

After CLU couldn’t come up with a run in the bottom of the inning, the Poets took the lead in the top of the seventh when they strung together three straight hits and Cindy Loza scored on an RBI-ground out. Whittier broke the game open a batter later when Mercedez Cundiff lined a two-run single into centerfield.

Cal Lutheran mounted one final comeback when Kayla Sakamoto singled with two outs the bottom of the seventh inning. Tinsley then followed with a double off the left field fence but unfortunately for CLU, Whittier pitcher Courtney DeLano got the final Regals batter to ground out to third base, securing the win for the Poets.

DeLano (9-1) earned the complete game victory for Whittier while Blake Lewis (0-4) suffered the loss for CLU.

Labbe, Mertel, and Tinsley all had two hits for Cal Lutheran while Loza and Samantha Mellano had three for the Poets.

Cal Lutheran continued its theme of hot starts in game two, when it plated three runs on five hits in the second inning. Christianson and Mertel led off the inning with back-to-back singles. After a sacrifice bunt from Christina Hunter, Downing doubled to right field, scoring Christianson. Kelly Lockwood then stepped in and delivered a two-run single up the middle to put CLU up 3-0.

Christianson (3-5) got the start in game two and surrendered just three hits and one run in four innings of work.

Backed by Christianson’s strong outing, Cal Lutheran scratched across runs in five straight innings, ultimately extending its lead to 7-2.

Downing came on in relief in the fifth inning and shut the door on the Poets, allowing just one hit to earn the three-inning save for Cal Lutheran.

The Regals pounded out 12 hits in game two led by Lockwood who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Lewis was also 3-for-3 at the plate while Mertel had her second straight multi-hit game. Tinsley also blasted her third homerun of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Cal Lutheran (5-17, 5-12 SCIAC) will be back in action Monday, March 25, when they host George Fox (Ore.) for a doubleheader starting at 11:00 a.m. 

Game 1: WC 7 CLU 3
Game 2: CLU 7 WC 2
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Linfield grabbed the lead early in game one after a three-run homerun from Hayli Watson made it 5-0 in the top of the first inning.

The Wildcats pushed across runs in the second and third inning before CLU broke through with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two outs, Katelyn Downing doubled into left center and was then moved to third base after a Ryanna Morua single. Kelly Lockwood followed with a two-run double off the right field wall, cutting the Linfield lead to eight.

Unfortunately for Cal Lutheran, the Wildcats responded with three runs in the top of the sixth to earn the game one victory.

Downing (2-8) took the loss for the Regals while Karina Paavola improved to 8-1 on the year. Brittany Labbe, Blake Lewis and Kayla Sakamoto had the other hits for CLU.

Starting pitcher Shonna Christianson was the story in game two as she held the Linfield offense to just one run on three hits through six innings.

Backed by Christianson’s strong outing, Cal Lutheran tied the game in the bottom of the first when Stephanie Banyi scored on a wild-pitch.

The Regals took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning after Downing led off with a bunt single. She was sacrificed over by Christianson and then brought home on a two-out pinch-hit single from Danika Green. Lockwood increased the CLU lead on the very next pitch to 3-1 after notching a double into the right-center field gap. The hot-hitting shortstop later come home on an error by the Linfield first basemen, making the score 4-1.

The lead would hold until the top of the seventh when Linfield got a two-run triple from Karleigh Prestianni and an RBI double from Lisa Yamamoto on back-to-back at bats, tying the game at four.

The Regals had a chance in the bottom of the seventh when Sakamoto lead off the inning by reaching on an error but CLU was unable to bring her home, forcing the game into extra innings.

Watson came through for Linfield in the top of the eighth when she plated Rachelle Ridout for the go-ahead run.

Paavola came on in the eighth and got the Regals to retire in order as Linfield completed the game two comeback.

Christianson, Downing, Green and Labbe all had singles while Lockwood and Shannon Tinsley each recorded a double.

Cal Lutheran (4-16) will be back in action Saturday, March 23, when it hosts Whittier for a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) doubleheader. First pitch at Hutton Field is set for noon.

Game 1: Linfield 12 CLU 2 (6 innings)
Game 2: Linfield 5 CLU 4 (8 innings)
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But for Kelly Lockwood, it was her father providing the sage advice.

The Cal Lutheran junior shortstop was going through a mild slump at the plate before her dad suggested a solution.

“He asked me if I was watching the ball all the way through and I kind of laughed and said, ‘Come on, Dad. Obviously I’m watching the ball the way through,’ ” Lockwood said. “But then at practice I noticed that I wasn’t. I wasn’t as focused on watching the middle of the ball, so I guess I just needed a little reminder.”

Lockwood saw immediate benefits.

She hit for the cycle in a doubleheader against Occidental, and continued her hot streak last weekend by going 7 for 7 with two home runs and a double against Pomona-Pitzer.

The output raised her average to .278 with three home runs, two doubles and two triples.

“I felt like I was getting back into the groove of things and things became easy again. It wasn’t such a struggle,” she said. “Before, I kept hitting right at people and that was frustrating. But now I am slowing down and really watching the ball. It sounds so easy, but it’s not.”

Lockwood, a Santa Ynez native, transferred to CLU this year from Cuesta Community College, where she set program records for doubles in a season and a career.

Lockwood started playing softball at age 3, and has always preferred swinging to defending.

“Hitting is my thing,” she said. “I definitely like hitting better than fielding. Just the feeling of squaring up on the ball perfectly is unexplainable.”

CLU started the season 0-7 and fell to 1-12 before gaining some recent momentum. The Regals (4-14, 3-11) have split their last two doubleheaders against SCIAC opponents.

“Our pitching has really improved and that is half the game right there,” Lockwood said. “I think our hitting is picking up as well. At the beginning of the season, we weren’t getting the timely hits we needed. That is starting to happen now, and we are hitting more as a team.”

Lockwood is an exercise science major, and wants to become an athletic director and coach once she graduates.

“I had a really good experience through Cuesta. It was a great athletic family and a great athletic director and great coaches,” Lockwood said. “It was just really inspiring and I hope to be as inspiring as well some day. If I could be half of what they were to me, I would be happy.”

Leadoff batter Kelly Lockwood continued to produce at the plate for the Regals, turning in a combined 7-for-7 day with a pair of homeruns and a double for a 2.000 slugging percentage adding a walk for a perfect on-base percentage. Shonna Christianson threw a complete game five hitter, allowing just one earned run while striking out three, aiding her own cause with a solo homerun, in the second game of the day.

Christianson got all the offense she needed in the third inning of game two. She led off the frame with a solo shot to put CLU on the board. With two down, Ryanna Morua drew a walk and Lockwood doubled to centerfield. Kayla Sakamoto outran an infield single, plating Morua with the second Regals run. A wild pitch allowed Lockwood to score the ultimate winning run.

Pomona-Pitzer put up a crooked number in their half of the second when Caitlyn Hynes, who walked and stolen base, scored on a sacrifice fly by Paige Oliver.

In both the third and fourth Christianson worked out of trouble. Ashley Morello reached on the only CLU error of the day to start the fifth and stole home to cut the Regals lead to one.

After Cal Lutheran left the bases loaded in the top of the sixth, Pomona-Pitzer threatened in the bottom of the inning. A heads up fielder’s choice on a bunt saw Liz Mertel cut down a runner at second where she found Lockwood awaiting the throw. A sac bunt was the second out of the inning and a fly ball to Sakamoto in center kept the Sagehens from tying things.

In the top of the seventh, Christianson again attempted to help herself out with a two-out double, but the inning ended on a line drive.

The bottom of the seventh was a 1-2-3 inning for Christianson (2-5) who got ground balls to third and second for the first two outs and a pop up to Morua at second to complete the game and secure the win.

In game one, Lockwood was responsible for four of the seven CLU hits. A pair of leadoff long balls by the shortstop in the third and seventh and an RBI single, scoring Moruawho doubled to start the fifth, were not enough in a one-run loss.

Pomona-Pitzer connected for 10 hits, plating one in the first and another in the second. A two-run fourth inning saw eight batters step into the box for the Sagehens, who took a 4-1 lead at the time.

Katelyn Downing (2-6) was tagged with the loss in a complete game, 6.0 innings, effort in which she struck out a pair.

Overall, Sakamoto was 4-for-6 with an RBI and Christianson and Brittany Labbe had two-hit days. Defensively Morua and Mertel each had 12 touches without an error. Morua finished with 10 putouts and a pair of assists while Mertel had a dozen assists at the hot corner.

For PP, Meagan Tokunaga was 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI and Morello was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run in game one. In game two, Aryana Yee was the only player with multiple hits, singling twice, though she did not score.

Cal Lutheran (4-14, 3-11 SCIAC) returns to Hutton Field on Thursday, March 21 for a pair of non-conference games with Linfield (Ore.). First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Game 1: PP 4, CLU 3  
Game 2: CLU 3, PP 2
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