Chapman Shutting Down Opponents
The Chapman women’s soccer team is unbeaten in its first seven games but perhaps more impressive, the Panther defense, anchored by goalkeeper Natalie Angelo, has six consecutive shutout victories.
That scoreless streak came to an end Wednesday when UC Santa Cruz salvaged a 1-1 tie, scoring late in the second half.
“Our defense has kept the number of shots down,” said Coach Eddie Carrillo, whose team outshot opponents, 94-19, through six games. “We’ve also taken pressure off our defense by keeping the ball once we get it.”
Chapman’s offense has produced balanced scoring. Junior Natalie Kaylor has four goals and three freshmen--Sara Stratton, Kelly Pierce and Connie Lucido--have three each.
The women’s soccer team isn’t Chapman’s only fast-starting squad benefiting from balance.
After struggling through a 9-14 season in 1996, the women’s volleyball team won its first four matches, including Wednesday’s four-game victory over UC Santa Cruz.
“It’s not all resting on one person’s shoulders,” Coach Mary Cahill said. “We’re spreading it around.”
Freshmen Erin Dedic, from Valencia High, and Erika Rinset have provided an offensive spark and junior Erika Chaney and senior Addy Benard have also produced for the Panthers.
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Punt don’t walk: Although Chapman’s football team escaped major injuries in last Saturday’s 35-0 loss to Western Washington, the Panthers suffered a blow after returning home.
Punter Mario Acosta, a second-team All-American last season, sprained his ankle Monday after tripping while jogging through a parking lot on campus. Coach Ken Visser said Acosta is “very doubtful” for Saturday’s home opener against Willamette (Ore.).
If Acosta does not play, kicker Matt George will also handle the punting duties.
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She’s ba-aack: Ila Borders returned from her stint in the minor leagues and has enrolled at Southern California College.
Borders pitched with St. Paul and Duluth-Superior, the Northern League champions, finishing with a 0-0 record and a 7.53 earned-run average in 15 regular-season games. She gave up 24 hits in 14 1/3 innings, walking nine and striking out 11.
“I told myself going there that I was going to enjoy this, because you never know how life’s going to turn,” Borders told the Associated Press. “I honestly enjoyed it, but it was stressful for me every day.”
