ORANGE, Calif. — Chapman University edged out Occidental College (4-13, 2-7 SCIAC) in a five-set thriller at Hutton Sports Center, winning the match 23-25, 25-19, 19-25, 26-24, 15-13. Occidental's service game was strong, recording 12 aces in the contest.

Occidental began the first set with strong momentum, securing the first four points. Lila Payne's service ace and Corinne Van Haeren's kill contributed to the early advantage. The Panthers briefly narrowed the gap, but another kill by Van Haeren maintained Occidental's lead at 7-4.

Chapman rallied to level the score at 7-7, but Occidental regained composure with Ariana Carranza's crucial kills to tie the game again at 12-12. The teams traded points with neither able to pull away, bringing the score to a tense 21-21.

In the closing moments, Occidental capitalized on a service ace from Eyleen Sanchez and a block by Anna Curtis-Revelle and Van Haeren to secure the final points. The set concluded with Occidental leading 25-23.

Occidental started the second set with momentum, as Van Haeren's early kill and a block by Van Haeren and Abby Werbel provided a 3-2 edge. Further contributions included a kill by Jasmine Shum and a service ace from Sanchez, pushing the score to 5-2.

The home team responded, capitalizing on errors to regain control and take a 12-8 advantage. Despite a steady performance from Sloane Shoop, who notched multiple kills in a late rally, Occidental trailed 19-15. A final push by Chapman, aided by kills from Olivia Harrison and Ava Bradbury, concluded the set with a 25-19 result favoring the home team.

Occidental took control early in the third set with Carranza setting the tone through a kill assisted by Payne. After an initial exchange of points, Occidental gained momentum with a 4-0 run, highlighted by a service ace from Carranza and kills from Shum and Van Haeren, to edge ahead 5-3.

Maintaining their lead, Occidental capitalized on Chapman's errors and strong blocking from Werbel and Shum to extend the advantage. Shoop and Curtis-Revelle contributed key points, pushing the score to 18-13, despite Chapman's attempts to close the gap.

Occidental closed out the set decisively, with Carranza delivering a series of impactful kills. Payne's service ace sealed the set at 25-19, securing a commanding finish.

Occidental started the fourth set with momentum, taking an early 4-0 lead with kills from Werbel and Van Haeren, assisted by Payne. Despite a service error that allowed Chapman to score, Occidental maintained a slim lead at 5-4. Chapman's service pressure brought the score to a tie at 10-10, but a block by Carranza regained the point for Occidental temporarily.

The Panthers pulled ahead with several service aces, but Occidental fought back, narrowing the gap with key plays from Shum and Shoop. Strong serves by Carranza, including two aces, brought Occidental back to a 17-17 tie. The teams traded points with Occidental briefly taking a 21-20 lead after a kill by Shum.

As the set neared conclusion, Chapman managed to edge ahead, but Occidental tied it at 24-24 with a kill from Carranza. Despite a close battle, Chapman secured the final two points, ending the set 26-24 in their favor.

Occidental began the fifth set with a strong performance, quickly overturning an early lead from the Panthers. Carranza and Shum combined effectively, with Carranza contributing kills and an ace, while Shum added multiple kills to propel the team to a 4-1 advantage.

Maintaining momentum, Occidental capitalized on Chapman's errors, extending their lead to 7-3. Despite a brief surge from Chapman, Shum delivered another kill, helping Occidental hold an 8-6 lead.

Chapman rallied back, tying the score at 11-11, but Occidental responded with a service ace from Shum to regain a narrow 12-11 advantage. The set remained closely contested, with both teams trading points. However, Chapman managed to edge ahead in the final moments, taking the set 15-13.

Occidental Top Performers  

Ariana Carranza  
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- 10 kills  
- 22 digs  
- 5 service aces  
- 17.5 points  

Corinne Van Haeren  
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- 16 kills  
- .250 hitting percentage  
- 17 points  

Jasmine Shum  
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- 15 kills  
- 13 digs  
- 17.5 points  

Lila Payne  
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- 29 assists  
- 4 service aces  

Eyleen Sanchez  
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- 17 digs  
- 2 service aces  

Next up for the Tigers is a home game in Rush Gym against the Whittier College Poets on Saturday, October 25th. Game time is set for 4:00pm.