Katie Resendiz Scores Career-High 24, but SCIAC-Leading Cal Lutheran Holds On 77-70

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Sophomore forward Katie Resendiz had a career-high 24 points to help the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps cut a 17-point lead down to six, but Cal Lutheran was able to hold on to sole possession of first place in the SCIAC with a 77-70 win over the Athenas on Wednesday evening at Roberts Pavilion.

With the win, Cal Lutheran improves to 13-4 overall and 8-1 in the SCIAC, while CMS slips to 4-14 overall and 2-8 in league play with the loss. 

Resendiz broke her previous high of 19 points, which she set against nationally-ranked Trinity earlier this year. She shot 8-13 from the floor, and 10 of he points in the fourth quarter, as the Athenas scored 26 points to give themselves a chance late. Kayla Ishibashi scored on a drive with 50 seconds left to get CMS within 74-68, after the Regals were up 65-48 with 6:40 to play. 

However, Cal Lutheran was able to break the CMS pressure and get a layup from Alline Ballard (17 points, 18 rebounds) and the Athenas were unable to get closer. 

Ruva Kiara was also in double figures for the Athenas with 12 points, while Ishibashi and Tanya Ghai each scored eight. 

CMS will be back in action on Saturday when it travels to Caltech for a 4 p.m. contest.