Defense nearly shuts out Caltech in the pool

ORANGE, Calif. – Ten first-half goals and three-plus shutout periods of defense helped the Chapman University women's water polo team cruise to a 13-2 win over visiting Caltech in the Panthers' first home SCIAC match of the season at the Allred Pool on Wednesday. The win evens Chapman's conference record to 1-1 in the first of five straight league games.

Chapman (8-15 overall, 1-1 SCIAC) and junior goalie Kirsten Spicer nearly shutout the Beavers, allowing just two fourth-quarter goals. Caltech (0-7 overall, 0-2 SCIAC) didn't get on the board until 4:07 remaining when the game was well in hand for the Panthers. Spicer made 14 saves in goal for Chapman and added four steals.

The Panthers' scoring came from 10 different players in the game, led by freshman 2-meter Emiko Mizusawa, sophomore driver Kate Staskus and sophomore utility Kate Avery with two apiece. Staskus scored both of her goals in the first period as part of a 6-0 advantage for Chapman after eight minutes of play.

The Chapman lead grew to 10-0 at halftime and the Panthers would add three more goals before Caltech would score the final two of the game. Mizusawa added a team-high three assists for the Panthers.

Chapman returns to the Allred Pool waters on Saturday to host Cal Lutheran University in another SCIAC matchup beginning at 11 a.m.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://chapmanathletics.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2013-14/files/CIT-CU.pdf

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