Chapman men’s water polo preview

The Chapman men's water polo team enters the 2018 season with youth on their side. After graduating six key seniors last year, the Panthers welcome 10 newcomers to the talented squad.

Chapman made a late-season run for the SCIAC postseason tournament last year, winning seven of their last nine games to clinch third place in the conference standings. The Panthers finished with an overall record of 14-14 in the 2017 season and look to make another run for the SCIAC Championship in 2018.

Returning in goal for Chapman is junior Wesley Hertel. At the end of the 2017 season, Hertel led the SCIAC with 244 saves and currently ranks sixth all-time at Chapman with 252 total blocks. The Houston, Texas native will look to be a force in the net for the Panthers with experience on his side.

Sophomore Hunter Ramaekers and senior captain Brady Hoskins return to the pool to help Chapman on offense. Ramaekers finished the 2017 season ranked fourth in the SCIAC with 32 goals, while Hoskins followed close behind ranked fifth with 29 assists.

After losing a couple of key players on offense, newcomers such as junior transfer Vasil Halchev will have to make an impact with the production that is missing from last year's roster.

The Panthers kick off their season at the UC San Diego Triton Invitational where they face off against Long Beach State at 1:20pm and Cal Baptist at 5:20pm on Saturday, Sept. 1.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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