THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Wheaton College (Mass.) women’s water polo team dropped a 26-1 game to host/Division III No. 3-ranked California Lutheran University in the second half of a doubleheader on the opening day of the 2026 Tina Finali Tournament.
The Lyons fall to 0-2 on the year, while the Regals improve to 2-6.
Wheaton was outshot by Cal Lutheran, 41-15, and earned four steals to the Regals’ 20.
Sophomore attack Ryanna Ritting (Perkasie, Pa.) led the Lyons with the only goal for Wheaton and seven total shots while also snatching a pair of steals. Senior Josephine Basco (Painesville, Ohio) earned an assist on Ritting’s goal. Junior Sophia Romo (Jupiter, Fla.) posted two shots, while teammate/first year Claudia Gagné (Orlando, Fla.), matched the tally with two shots of her own. Junior goalie Amelia Brown (Acton, Mass.) made one save in taking the loss.
Senior Lauren Lohmeier led Cal Lutheran with five goals and three assists. Senior Jacquline Brandon, junior Olivia Hurley and freshman Aleaha Gonzalez each scored three goals for the Regals. Junior/goalie Sophie Raquel made seven saves and allowed only one goal in the game.
California Lutheran hit the ground running following the opening sprint by scoring 11 unanswered goals in the first quarter. Seven individual players dented the twine to give the hosts a commanding margin.
The Lyons tightened up on defense in the second quarter, keeping the Regals to only six goals scored. The third quarter was much the same, as the Regals put six in the back of the net to increase their lead.
Wheaton got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter as Ritting and Basco linked up to slip a shot through Raquel with 5:48 remaining in regulation.
The Regals scored twice more before the end of regulation to cap off a 25-goal victory.
Information courtesy Wheaton College Athletics Communications
