East Ventura News

For the first time, both the men's and women's basketball teams from California Lutheran University have qualified for the NCAA Tournament. The Kingsmen secured their spot as an at-large selection after finishing with a 21-4 record, winning the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) regular-season title for a second year in a row. Under Head Coach Russell White, the team has boasted a 43-7 record over the past two years. Meanwhile, the women's team, the Regals, led by Head Coach Kelli DiMuro, triumphed in the SCIAC Tournament to earn their place, with a 19-6 season record. The Regals' sophomore, Alline Ballard, tied a longstanding rebound record, contributing significantly to the team's performance.

In lacrosse, the Regals have brought on MacEllen McDonough as head coach. McDonough has experience promoting lacrosse in Israel, where she played on the national team and directed women's lacrosse for the Israel Lacrosse Association. McDonough expressed her commitment to expanding the sport, stating, "I went (to Israel) because the sport has given me so much that I wanted to give back by helping grow it in a new area."

Softball reintroduced a familiar face with Kecia Davis returning as head coach. Davis, who served as the university's head athletic trainer for 26 years, originally resigned as softball coach in 1998. Davis remarked on her return, "I love coming to work every day. I love working with student-athletes. It’s a privilege to be here."

Cal Lutheran has also inaugurated its first women's flag football team, starting training sessions in February under Coach Brandon Alexander. Alexander, who also coaches at Westlake High School, acknowledged the learning curve ahead: "I’m excited... but we’ve got some work to do, no doubt."

The basketball program also celebrated three new members joining the 1,000-point club: Kingsmen players Devon Lewis and Tommy Griffitts, alongside Sara Mills from the Regals. Lewis and Griffitts achieved this milestone during games against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Messiah University, respectively. Mills reached her landmark during a victory in the SCIAC Tournament semifinals.

Finally, Brooke Blaylock, a freshman diver, achieved impressive placements at the NCAA Division III Regionals. Blaylock's performance, featuring high scores in the 1-meter competition, prompted diving coach Jennifer Vreeke to praise her progress. Vreeke remarked, "Words can’t describe how proud I am of her... She has progressed immensely since she started diving less than a year ago."