Chapman beats Cal Baptist; Biggest win in program history?

CLAREMONT, Calif. - The Chapman University men's water polo team posted a 3-1 record at the always competitive Claremont Convergence Tournament this weekend, but it was the Panthers' 11-8 victory over Cal Baptist University on Friday that has Chapman giddy. Cal Baptist entered the match as the No. 18-ranked men's team in the nation (Divisions I, II, III and NAIA combined) giving the Panthers' their first-ever win over a top-20 team.

Panthers' head coach Eric Ploessel called it "the biggest win in Chapman water polo history."

Chapman (11-5) was ranked No. 6 in Division III entering the game and likely improved that standing after the weekend showing. The Panthers were led by junior Alex Mulé who scored five goals against Cal Baptist and junior goalie Colin Gasper made 12 saves to preserve the victory for the Panthers.

The Panthers went on to defeat Iona (N.Y.) 7-6 later on Friday, as well as Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) 10-3 on Saturday. Chapman's only defeat in the tournament came at the hands of Santa Clara University, ranked No. 12 in Division I, a 16-7 loss.

For the tournament, Mulé finished with 13 goals to give him 48 this season - amongst the top goal scorers in the nation once again. The school's all-time leader in goals also ran his career total to 253 in two and a half seasons. Gasper was tough once again in goal for the Panthers earning 43 saves in three-plus games.