Defense helps Chapman snap three-game losing streak

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men's water polo team snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday, beating visiting Occidental College 12-9 at the Allred Pool. The Panthers held the Tigers in a close game in which Occidental came within two on several occasions, but never led.

The defense proved to be the difference in the match, limiting the Tigers to just 4 of 12 with a man-advantage. Sophomore goalie Taylor Roszkos led the defense with 18 saves, just one under his career-best of 19. Roszkos has already earned 16 or more saves on three separate occasions this season.

The Panther offense was led by senior UT Stephen Neville, senior driver Chase Parlee, and junior UT Pierre Masson, each scoring three goals in the effort.

Chapman (5-7) shutout the Tigers in the first quarter, jumping out to a 3-0 lead.  Occidental (1-9) answered in the second, outscoring Chapman 4-2 to come within a goal at 5-4 with 23 seconds left in the half. However, the Panthers bounced back with a Neville goal with 3 seconds to play that killed any Occidental momentum entering the second half with Chapman up 6-4.

The Panthers gained their largest lead in the third at 10-5, but the Tigers scored three times in the last three minutes of the quarter to cut the lead to two.

Oxy would score just once in the fourth with Roszkos making several key saves, including one on a penalty shot. The Tigers would get no closer as Chapman netted two more to secure the win at 12-9.

The Panthers will try to extend their winning streak at the Convergence Tournament in Claremont Oct. 8-9 before returning to the Allred Pool Oct. 15 to host Mercyhurst College (Pa.) at 2 p.m.

by Stephanie Leavell
Sports Information Intern

Boxscore: http://chapmanathletics.com/sports/mwaterpolo/2010-11/files/oxy-cu.pdf