ORANGE, Calif.- Proving the magnitude of the team's depth, senior Samantha Martin and freshman Keely Dulaney scored three goals each as the Chapman University women's water polo team defeated No. 10 Connecticut College on Wednesday afternoon at the Allred Aquatics Center. The win improves the Panthers' record to 6-4 with a perfect 2-0 mark in their home tank.
After falling behind 1-0, Chapman evened the score with a goal from Martin and took the lead as sophomore utility Riley Ford netted a goal in the waning seconds of the first quarter.
Dulaney took control of the game in the second quarter, scoring three goals in the first three minutes of play. The freshman utility entered Wednesday's game with four career goals in nine games played. Martin pushed the Panthers advantage, adding another goal with 2:03 remaining to give the Panthers a 6-4 lead heading into the break.
A strong defensive stand by the Camels to open the second half combined with goals from Kate Jacobson and Kelsey Millward evened the score at 6-6 entering the final period. The two teams traded goals in the fourth quarter before Martin broke the 7-7 tie, netting her third goal with 5:06 remaining. Several key defensive stops in the final minutes by goalkeeper Jordan Gilmore shut the door on the Camels and a late goal by Ford sealed the victory for Chapman.
Gilmore got the start for the Panthers in place of injured Kirsten Spicer and recorded 12 blocks to go along with four steals.
The Panthers will be back in action this weekend as they play four games at the Cal Baptist Tournament, their third tournament in as many weekends. The Panthers will face four east coast opponents as they take on Marist College (NY) and St. Francis (NY) on Saturday, followed by games against Washington & Jefferson College (PA) and Wagner College (NY) on Sunday.
by Ryan Cavinder
Sports Information Assistant
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