THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Shannon Irwin scored a season-high 23 points to lead a bench unit that scored 41 points but it wasn't enough for the University of La Verne women's basketball team as it lost, 77-72, to Cal Lutheran on Tuesday night at Gilbert Arena.

La Verne falls to 3-14 overall and 2-7 in SCIAC play. Cal Lutheran improves to 15-5 and 9-2.

Irwin scored an incredible 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead La Verne's rally. The senior scored La Verne's first seven points in the quarter and attacked the basket relentlessly, earning 13 free throws and making 11 of them.

After trailing by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, La Verne got within 64-60 behind Irwin's heroics with just under four minutes to go. But Taylor Messick hit a layup with put the Regals up by six but the Leopards couldn't convert either of two looks they had on the next possession and were forced had to foul the rest of the way.

Grace Derksen missed the back end of a double bonus with the Regals leading 71-65 with 36 seconds left but the Leopards gave up the critical offensive rebound to Chelsea Jacoby and Jacoby put it back up to seal the win for the Regals.

Emily Myers had 14 points and eight rebounds for La Verne, but was hampered by foul trouble and was limited to just 18 minute of action. Noelle Cobb scored 10 points and Diana Peña contributed eight points, six rebounds and three steals off the bench.

Jessica Salottolo led the Regals with 21 points. Jacoby finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

La Verne returns to action on Thursday at Chapman.