Panthers drop a close one to 'Nova

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women's water polo team saw its brief two-game winning streak halted with an 8-7 loss to visiting Villanova University's club team at the Allred Aquatics Center on Wednesday evening. The Wildcats snapped a 6-6 tie early in the fourth quarter and added an insurance goal with 49 seconds remaining to beat the Panthers.

Chapman (2-3) jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter, including two goals from sophomore Sami McLaughlin. However, Villanova chipped away at that lead and tied it at 3-3 heading into halftime.

The Wildcats didn't take their first lead of the game until the 4:06 mark in the third quarter on a goal from senior Nicole Lum which gave Villanova a 5-4 advantage and the Panthers were never able to regain the lead.

Sophomore utility Sam Martin scored her second goal of the game with 7:31 remaining in the fourth quarter to even the score at 6-6, but the Wildcats put the game away with a pair of goals in the period.

Chapman sophomore goalie Alicia Wei made a season-high 13 saves in goal and added three steals. Sophomore Ani Marganian assisted on three Chapman goals and junior Stephanie Roy scored a goal and added two assists.

The Panthers travel to the Cal Lutheran Tournament and Claremont Convergence on back-to-back weekends and return home to face U.C. Irvine club team on March 13.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2010-11/files/VU-CU.pdf