Regals hand Athenas first loss in four weeks

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's soccer team's six game winning streak was snapped at the hands of the Cal Lutheran Regals in a 1-0 decision.

It was a special night at Pritzlaff Field, as the Athenas donned pink jerseys and socks to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

Cal Lutheran came out of the gate swinging and had the better end of the scoring chances throughout the first half.

At the two minute mark, Regal forward Raquel Weckhurst took a long feed and broke all alone to the net, but goalkeeper Kelly McConnell (HMC) challenged and forced Weckhurst to misplay the ball.

Six minutes later Cal Lutheran midfielder Kali Youngdahl controlled a high ball off a free kick and set up forward Bianca Deardorff at the edge of the box. Deardorff took advantage of the good shooting position and was able to tee up a shot into the high corner of the goal, putting the Athenas down 1-0 early.

Junior forward Katelyn Faust (CMC) had four shots through the first 20 minutes including the Athenas only two shots on goal of the first half as she looked to spark the offensive attack.

However, Cal Luterhan was the team that continued to get solid offensive pressure, including a chance midway through the half where Weckhurst sprung past the Athena defensive line and forced McConnell to make a tough diving save on a low crossing shot attempt.

McConnell was busy in the first half, making 10 saves but none better than a stop on a one-time attempt from 10 feet out by Weckhurst in the 33^rd minute.

CMS was stonewalled for most of the first, but had a some strong opportunites in the second.

Senior Darrah Shields (CMC) had back to back corners in the 68^th minute that led to the Athenas best chances to score. Faust headed the first corner just wide of the goal and the second was deflected low past the goalkeeper, but a Regal defender was able to geet between the ball and the goal line to keep it out.

Shields had an opportunity of her own with 11 minutes remaining as she took a throw in pass near the sideline and cut to the net while evading defenders. Sheilds attempted to place a low shot toward the opposide side but was stopped by a diving goalkeeper.

Cal Lutheran responded by putting one off the crossbar when Youngdahl ripped a surprise long shot from 30 yards out.

Faust was left wide open in front of the goal with seven minuntes remaining but couldn't connect on her chance, as she sent a shot high and wide.

The Regals had good offensive possesion in the final minutes as they kept it away from CMS and ran out most of the clock.

The slow start ended up costing the Athenas the match as they were outshot 17-6 in the first and 26-16 overall.

McConnell showed why she leads the SCIAC in save percentage, stopping 12 out of 13 shots on goal throughout the contest.

CMS fell to second in the conference due to a Redlands 2-1 victory over Whittier, but still sit in a solid position to host a home match in the SCIAC tournament with three matches remaining on the schedule.

The Athenas regular season home finale will take place Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. against Occidental.

By Tony Steege
Sports Information Assistant

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