THOUSAND OAKS, CA — Six different Leopards scored and the University of La Verne women's water polo team pulled to within five early in the fourth quarter and it looked like the squad could have a chance to close the gap.

But it wasn't enough to hold off surging Cal Lutheran, as La Verne fell to the Regals 18-11 Saturday afternoon in the SCIAC Semifinals.

The Regals advance to the SCIAC Championship tomorrow and host Redlands. The Bulldogs defeated Chapman 11-7 in the other semifinal matchup. 

Six different Leopards scored in the effort led by Nanea Mattson's hat trick and a pair of scores from both newcomer Bianca Sanchez and veterans Jassmine Kezman and Sumi Rudisky.

Ashley Garcia and Kelly Riedel each scored once. Rudisky led the Leopards with two assists and Sanchez added one. Goalie Loreny Valdez finished with four saves.

Trailing 4-2 late in the first, the Leopards responded with back-to-back goals by Kezman and Sanchez to even the game. But the Regals went on a run, scoring the next five goals to take a 9-4 lead before heading into the half up 11-5.

La Verne traded goals with Cal Lutheran in the final period but couldn't do enough to close the distance.

The Regals took advantage of their power play possessions, scoring on 6-9 opportunities to the Leopards' 3-9 conversions.

The Leopards finish the abbreviated season 1-1 but gained some needed live-game experience before heading into next season.