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ORANGE — The Occidental women's water polo team played tough defense, but didn't have enough offense to beat Chapman on the road in a 9-5 loss on Wednesday night.

Oxy held the Panthers to just three goals in the first half, but didn't find the net themselves until the third quarter. 

The Tigers took the momentum and cut the lead to 6-4 by the end of the third, led by Abigail Lavold who scored both of her goals in the quarter. Claudia Oppermann also scored quickly on a 6-on-5 advantage and Lori Berberian scored a lob shot from distance when the Chapman goalie came too far out of the cage.

Chapman scored the first goal of the fourth quarter and then Michela Imperiale had the highlight of the game for Oxy, hitting an 11-meter shot cross cage.

Chapman's lead was just 7-5 with 1:35 left in the game before the Tigers turned it over on a timeout play. The Panthers then added two garbage-time goals in the final 1 minute.

Mika O'Shea and Ella Maisano split time in the cage, both playing well. 

Defensively, Oppermann did a great job guarding center and Chandler Luebbers played well on 5-on-6 defense. 

Lauren Dvonch and Audrey Hattori led the Panthers with three goals each.

Season Impact: The Tigers fall to 5-6 overall and 0-2 in SCIAC.

Next Game: Oxy is back in action on Saturday against Cal Lutheran at Taylor Pool at 11 a.m.