Another top-25 women's soccer team taken out by Panthers

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women's soccer team has made its case for national recognition loud and clear through the first week and a half of the 2014 season. Two nationally-ranked top-25 teams up, and two down as the unranked Panthers earned their second upset victory of the season 2-1 over No. 12 Hardin-Simmons University in Chapman's home opener at Wilson Field on Sunday.

The Panthers also knocked off top-25 University of Puget Sound (Wash) on the road on Aug. 29 by a score of 2-1.

Chapman (4-1) came from behind to beat the Cowgirls, rallying from a 1-0 deficit to tie the match midway through the first half and then received the game-winning goal from senior F Olivia Do in the 52nd minute. Sophomore GK Kristin Kleinow handled the rest, preserving the lead with four of her eight saves coming in the second half.

Do's goal, her second of the season, was delivered dribbling up the left side and, after she got past one defender, she rifled a shot up and over the outstretched arms of Hardin-Simmons GK Abby Blunt. Panthers' sophomore M Julia Diaz earned her second assist of the year on the play.

Hardin-Simmons (2-1) began the scoring with a goal from senior D Katie Haltiwanger in the 10th minute, finishing from inside the goalie box on an assist from senior F Karissa Olson. The lead held for 17 minutes until the Panthers evened the score with some good fortune up top. Sophomore F Rosie Kerstetter redirected a shot from sophomore F Kourtney Kingsmore that found the back of the net and knotted the game at one.

The Cowgirls out-shot Chapman 10-2 in the first half and 17-3 in the game.

The win marks the end of Chapman's non-conference schedule as it enters SCIAC play on Sept. 17 at the University of Redlands. The Panthers' next scheduled home game won't be until Sept. 24 when they host Whittier College at 4 p.m.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

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