ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2008) – For the second time in as many years the # 8 ranked Division III water polo team from Occidental College returned home from the Chapman Tournament as Champions. In 2008 the Tigers won four straight games, defeating host # 9 Chapman University 8-7 on Sunday afternoon to retain the title.

Oxy looked to junior center Kelly Curtain who scored eight goals with four assists, six steals and a team leading 12 drawn ejections in the four-game weekend. \

In the tournament finale Curtin scored the ultimate winning goal with two minutes left in regulation. Sara Boehler had a game high three goals, while Danielle Montenegro added a pair and Perla Almaraz rounded out the offense. In front of the cage Laura Simanonok blocked eight Chapman shots.

During the first game on Sunday the Tigers defeated the University of Oregon 8-6 behind a pair of goals from both Curtain and Boehler. Ashley Notti, Karie Nickle, Almaraz and Montenegro each added a goal. Notti and Almaraz stole the ball four times apiece and Montenegro and Almaraz each had a field block in the game.

Saturday the Tigers opened the tournament with a pair of wins over # 10 Grove City College (12-5) and Fresno Pacific (21-7).

Notti led the charge against GCC with a hat trick while Nickle accounted for two goals and three assists. Boehler recorded four steals and a pair of drawn ejections.  

The offense exploded for 21 goals against Fresno Pacific as each Tiger who played scored, including a team high four goal performance from Haley Rosehill. Boehler added five assists, with Curtin and Montenegro recording three apiece. Notti and Nickle each stole the ball three times.

Occidental improves to 4-2 overall. The Tigers will jump back in the pool on Saturday at Taylor Pool where they will host their annual Alumni Game at 12:00 p.m.