ORANGE, Calif. — A pair of goals from
Alexis Sweeney and
Karys McKinney gave the Chapman University women's soccer their first win of the season and SCIAC play against Caltech 2-0. The victory also capped off the team's home opener for the 2026 season.
The Panthers remained in control from the get go and finished with 11 shots on goal. At the 20 minute mark, Sweeney came sprinting into the goal box to rebound the ball into the back of the net.
Maddie Vasquez had attempted to punch the ball into the bottom left post. After the goalkeeper blocked the shot, Sweeny was there to put it away for good.
With momentum on their side, the Panthers held Caltech to just three shots, and one shot on goal in the first half. In the second half, the Beavers had zero shots. At the 32 minute mark, McKinney checked in off the bench and immediately jumped into action. Off an assist from teammate
Keaton Davis, McKinney kicked the ball in with her right foot to give Chapman a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Chapman substituted in players 17 times and kept the Beavers on their half of the field. Despite no goals scored, Chapman had multiple goal attempts that kissed the upper and side crossbars. Defensively,
Kate Stenta and
Avery Robinson led the way clearing the ball out quickly and effectively. As a result, goalkeeper Siena Gomez recorded just one save.
The Panthers will take look to carry this momentum into their second conference game. Chapman will host La Verne on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 AM.
