REDLANDS, Calif. – A fourth quarter comeback forced overtime but the Chapman University men's water polo team ultimately fell 14-13 to Redlands in sudden death in the SCIAC Tournament Championship Match. The Panthers gave the top-seeded Bulldogs all they could handle, forcing overtime with a goal in the final two seconds.
The Panthers erased a four-goal fourth quarter deficit in the waning moments as Davin Castillo fired a shot past the keeper with just two seconds on the clock. The Panthers brought on the extra attacker for the final possession and took advantage to tie the match at 10-10.
In overtime, Dylan Gallegos struck first for the Panthers to give Chapman a one-goal lead. The teams traded goals over the next five minutes with Castillo scoring twice more to keep the Panthers in front of the seesaw. With overtime winding down, it was Redlands' turn to find the big goal. The Bulldogs took advantage of a late 6-on-5 to tie the match with less than 30 seconds left.
Redlands won the sprint but Jackson Sanders and the Chapman defense were able to withstand the initial attack. As Chapman came up empty on the other side of the pool, Spencer Clinton claimed the SCIAC title for the host Bulldogs with his only goal coming in the most important moment.
Sanders made 11 saves for the Panthers. Castillo and Dylan Gallegos each led the offense with four goals.
The Panthers will head back to Redlands Dec. 7-8 for the USA Water Polo Division III National Championship. The bracket will be announced at a later date.
