PASADENA, Calif. — Caltech Women's Soccer hosted the nationally-ranked Cal Lutheran University Regals on Saturday in a SCIAC matchup that saw heavy rain throughout both of the game's halves.

The action kicked off shortly after 11 a.m. with both squads trading possessions for a number of minutes before the visitors found the back of the net to go up 1-0 on the scoreboard.

The game turned into a defensive battle for the next few minutes as both teams protected their net. Caltech goalkeeper Haleigh Gardner put in an excellent performance throughout the half; the first-year registered five saves between the 13th and 29th minutes with no goals allowed.

An impressive shot from Cal Lu would make the score a two-goal game in the 30th minute, though the Beavers responded with both improved offensive and defensive play.

Caltech created an enticing opportunity just before the halftime buzzer as sophomore Meher Banik fired a shot from the left wing; the Beavers watched as the shot traveled towards the net before the Cal Lutheran goalkeeper jumped on the save.

On the other end, the group put its defense on display as they limited the Regals to just three shot attempts in the final 15 minutes of the half.

The Beavers continued to fight upon their return to the field after the halftime intermission; a heavy downpour would not dismay the squad as they tightened up their defense even further. The squad would let in one more score, though they successfully holed up all other opportunities from the guests.

Caltech created a number of near-opportunities on offense but were unable to overcome the undefeated Regals.

Gardner logged 11 saves in the match; she recorded her highest save percentage thus far as a Beaver (.786).

Next up for head coach Emmy Meyring and the squad is a face-off against the University of Redlands on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Follow the contest online at gocaltech.com/coverage.

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