Panthers earn ninth shutout in regular season finale

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University men's soccer team closed out the regular season with a convincing 3-0 victory over visiting La Sierra University at Wilson Field on Saturday night. The Panthers' earned their ninth shutout of the season and lowered their team goals-against average to 0.59 - a school record.

Chapman (12-4-2) also matched its highest win total in nine years with its 12th victory. The Panthers - ranked No. 7 in the West by the NCAA and No. 5 in the region by the NSCAA - now await news on a possible Division III playoff berth when pairings are announced Nov. 9.

On ‘Senior Night' it was the underclassmen who stole the spotlight. The Panthers captured the lead early with a goal in the 19th minute from junior F Dean Sewitz who headed the ball in off a cross from his brother Alex Sewitz. It was the second time in nine days the twins have teamed up on a Chapman goal. Sophomore M Dalton Sweaney made it 2-0 a short time later with his sixth goal of the season. Sweaney and Dean Sewitz are tied for the team lead in that category.

For good measure, the Panthers added one more in the 82nd minute on a goal from junior F Matt Prouty - his third of the year. With the win, Chapman improved to 8-2-1 at home this season. The Panthers have lost just once in their past eight matches.

Sophomore GK Tyler Hadzinsky made four saves to earn his fourth shutout of the year and lowered his goals-against average to 0.62, a mark that currently ranks No. 2 in Chapman single-season history. Chapman's ninth team shutout is also one shy of the school record.