Defensive effort earns water polo a split in Chapman Tournament Day 1

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women's water polo team allowed just 12 goals in two games on Saturday. Unfortunately it was only enough to earn a split on Day 1 of the two-day Chapman Tournament. The Panthers lost their first game to Mercyhurst University (Pa.) 6-5 before capping the day with a 13-6 win over Vanguard University at the Allred Pool.

Game 1: Mercyhurst 6, Chapman 5
A low-scoring first half saw the Panthers leading 2-1 at the midway point thanks to goals from junior utility Sam Martin and sophomore driver Julie Case. However, that slim lead disappeared just 1:10 into the second half and the Panthers never led again.

Mercyhurst snapped a 3-3 tie and took the lead for good on a goal by Laura Perez with 5:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Chapman got a pair of fourth-quarter goals from freshman utility Riley Ford, but it was not enough for the Panthers to pull out the win.

Game 1 Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2011-12/files/MU-CU.pdf

Game 2: Chapman 13, Vanguard 6
Chapman exploded for seven goals in the first quarter to cruise to a 13-6 win over the Lions, thanks to two goals each from Case, Ford and sophomore utility Juliana Botting in the period. Once again, the Panthers' defense was solid with help from junior goalie Allison Smith who made 13 saves and five steals in the cage. Chapman also stopped 11 shots on 6-on-5 disadvantages in the game.

Junior utility Ani Marganian tied the Chapman assists record with career assist number 131 and nine different Panthers scored goals in the win.

Game 2 Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2011-12/files/VU-CU.pdf

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

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