ORANGE, Calif. — Chapman University edged Occidental College 1-0 on Wednesday at Wilson Field in a closely contested matchup. Chapman's lone goal came in the first half, proved to be the game-winner. Despite a strong performance from the Occidental goalkeeper, Melanie Rodriguez, who recorded seven saves, the Tigers were unable to find the back of the net, with six of their ten shots on target.

The first half began with the Tigers' defense tested early, as Rodriguez made several key saves, including a stop against Jenna Urrabazo in the sixth minute. Occidental faced pressure, conceding a goal to Chapman at the 10:28 mark when Sidney Karjian scored with an assist from Karys McKinney, putting the Panthers ahead 1-0.

Occidental responded Mia Steadman and Malia DeCastro putting shots on goal in the first, but yhe half closed with Occidental trailing 1-0. 

Rodriguez kept the Panthers offense at bay throughout the second half, notching key saves in the 55th and 61st minutes, but Oxy's relentless pressure proved ineffective as they were shut out for the first time all season.

Occidental Top Performers

Melanie Rodriguez
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- seven saves

Mia Steadman
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- two shots
- one shot on goal

Cynthia Jorsling
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- two shots

Occidental stands at 5-2-2 overall and 4-1-1 in conference play following the loss. Chapman now holds a 5-4-3 overall record and is 2-2-2 in conference action. The Tigers are back in action on Saturday on the road in a tough contest against Claremont-M-S.