With season abruptly shortened, Chapman women’s lacrosse team ends with a win

Chapman University honored its seniors for spring sports at halftime of a ceremony Wednesday night during the lacrosse match. All spring sports are cancelled over concerns about the coronavirus. (Photo courtesy Larry Newman, Chapman sports information)

On an emotional day in which every student-athlete learned that their 2020 season had come to an end, the Chapman University women’s lacrosse team closed out the spring schedule with an emphatic win. The Panthers rolled to a 21-6 victory over Whittier in the final Chapman athletic event of the season.

For the safety of all students, the University has moved all classes to an online and canceled all large events on campus, including athletic events.

Chapman officials announced the decision on Wednesday. All the spring teams, including the baseball season, were in the middle of the season.

The Panthers were able to celebrate the four women’s lacrosse seniors prior to the match and celebrated all of the seniors for Chapman’s spring sports at halftime. The Panthers also celebrated on the field.

Over the first 15 minutes of the contest, Chapman built up an 8-1 lead. That increased to 12-3 by halftime and quickly jumped into double digits early in the second half.

Three different Panthers had four goals: senior Leah Donnelly, junior Alexandra Callaway and freshman Corinn Valeri. Sophomore Meg Hanson  added two goals and four assists. Senior Michaela Lopez  scored a goal while senior defender Ally Kroeckel caused two turnovers and picked up a ground ball. Fellow senior Haley Reinhard also caused a turnover and came up with a ground ball.

The Panthers put 28 shots on goal and forced 21 turnovers. They won 15 draw controls and successfully cleared nine of 10 attempts. Junior Taylor Hextrum  made five saves on the 11 shots she faced to get her first win of the season.

A big crowd of fellow student-athletes had plenty to cheer for in the stands as the Panthers lit up the scoreboard and the raucous crowd continued to cheer as all the seniors were celebrated at halftime.

The spring sports season came to an abrupt close but it came with a celebration.

Source: Chapman University sports information