ORANGE, Calif. — The Chapman University women's water polo team hosted the first round of the SCIAC Tournament at the Allred Olympic Pool, where they took down the Whittier Poets 16-12. The Panthers have punched their ticket to the SCIAC semi-final game against Pomona-Pitzer on Thursday at 7 PM. 

Chapman freshman center Mia Harrison scored a career-high three goals immediately after the game began, netting Chapman's first ones of the game. She scored just 15 seconds into the game, netting the fastest opening goal in SCIAC Tournament history. Junior star Kendall Pappan led the way with another efficient four goals on just five shots to go along with an assist, an earned exclusion and a steal. 

Defensively, Zoey Francis, the regular season leader in saves in the conference, was back at it again, recording a SCIAC Tournament record 19 saves on the night in just over three quarters of play. She leaped out of the water to stop multiple five meter attempts, punched out shots that looked completely out of reach and maintained the Panthers strong momentum. 

Sophomore center Annie Nadolski had yet another strong showing with four earned exclusions, a goal and an assist. Nina Bastick also recorded two goals and two assists. Chapman's all out team effort proved effective. They will look to take the momentum into Thursday's semi-final game. 

Chapman now has a chance to punch their ticket to the SCIAC title game on Thursday evening at Pomona-Pitzer.