ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women's water polo team kept its hold on third place with a 12-9 win over visiting La Verne on Senior Day. Alyssa Fricker scored six goals as the Panthers improved to 13-9 overall and 7-2 in the SCIAC.

La Verne entered the day right behind Chapman in the SCIAC standings as the Leopards came to Allred Pool for the crucial matchup. The Chapman win puts the Panthers two games up on both La Verne and Cal Lutheran with just three left to play.

La Verne scored the first goal of the day but the Panthers quickly took control as Annika Liou scored 19 seconds later totie the match and Fricker scored just over one minute later to put the Panthers up 2-1.

Another goal from La Verne was answered with a seven-goal run from the Panthers that extended from the first to the third quarter. Fricker scored four times during the run while Kendall Pappan scored twice. Pappan added another late goal.

Georgina Burton made 10 saves while allowing just four goals before giving way to Abby McGuire in the fourth quarter. The Panthers built a 12-3 lead after an early fourth quarter goal from Meg Peters and La Verne scored the last five goals of the contest.

Chapman heads to Redlands on Monday with a chance to clinch a spot in the SCIAC Tournament. A win would guarantee at least fourth place for Chapman.