ORANGE, Calif. – A quick start provided the difference as the Chapman University women's lacrosse team defeated visiting Aurora 14-11 on Saturday in a non-conference contest. Anna Hereu made a career-high 10 saves to help Chapman to its second win in a row.

The Panthers scored the first three goals of the game and then traded goals for the next 53 minutes to defeat a Spartans team that made the NCAA Tournament field in 2021. Anna Klose led the Panthers with four goals while Jessica Ricketts added a hat trick in the victory.

Chapman picked up six draw controls of the eight in the fourth quarter to keep Aurora from making a comeback attempt. The Spartans had an 18-16 advantage in draw controls but Chapman held the turnover advantage, forcing 23 while committing 19.

Corinn Valeri put the Panthers on the board first and it took less than 40 seconds for Emily Allen to find the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. Klose's first goal moved the advantage to 3-0 in favor of Chapman with 7:51 left in the first.

Aurora responded with a pair of goals but Chapman built the lead back up to 5-2 before the end of the first quarter. The Panthers added to their lead with a 4-3 advantage in the second quarter and a 2-1 advantage in the third. Chapman's lead grew to as much as five goals when Vanessa Topete converted a free position opportunity to make it 12-7early in the fourth.

Hereu made eight of her 10 saves in the second half. Including five in the third quarter.

The Panthers continue on their eight-game homestand when they take on Albion on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

By Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director

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