“One of the best goalies we’ve ever had”: Sanders breaks men’s water polo save record

Courtesy of Larry Newman

With 21 saves in the men's water polo match against Biola University, goalkeeper Jackson Sanders broke the single game save record previously held by Chapman’s assistant coach, BJ Ploessel. The junior software engineering major broke the school’s record, which stood for two decades. 

Sanders’ 21st, and record-breaking, save came during one of the most crucial points in the match. Chapman and Biola, who play in Division II, were tied 10-10 when Sanders made the save and set up the match-winning goal in overtime.

Breaking the record was a sign that Sanders was on his game as a keeper, but his team spirit and determination to get the win were the main things on his mind throughout the game.

“I wasn't super concerned about the record just due to the fact we were in sudden death at the time,” Sanders said. “One of my teammates told me after the seventh period that I had broken the record, so I got excited for a second or two but had to refocus fast because all of that would be meaningless if we didn't win.”

The team and head coach, Eric Ploessel, brother to assistant coach BJ Ploessel, were not surprised by Sanders' performance in the slightest. They shared an immense amount of confidence in his gameplay and ability to break more records, and Chapman’s head coach spoke to The Panther about the crucial moment at the end of the game.

“My immediate reaction was that this was a huge save because if that goal would have gone in, the game would have been over,” said Eric Ploessel. “Then after that, we could celebrate it. We know he is one of the best goalies we have ever had, so we know he can break records here.”

It was a special moment for BJ to watch Sanders break the record he set years ago. Sanders recalled a coincidental moment before the game, when he was chatting with his assistant coach.

“Before the game, BJ, Daniel Franks and I were all sitting together and talking, and Franks asked BJ if he thought his record would be broken during his time coaching,” Sanders said. “I responded, semi-jokingly, that it would be broken in the next two years. After the game, he congratulated me both privately and in front of the team for the accomplishment. I know from talking to him this season that this was the exact type of way he wanted his record broken, (because) every save mattered. He made sure to tease me about the fact that it took me seven periods to do it, but I know he's proud of me, and that means a lot.”

The broken record was not the only thing that stood out from this match. The Panthers led the first quarter with a shutout against Biola, but that lit a fire in the opposing team. After the first quarter, the visitors picked up their game and started scoring. By the fourth quarter, Chapman was down two goals.

Sanders had a heroic performance, but he said the match couldn’t have been won without Thatcher Lytel, a sophomore business administration major, who plays center.

“Thatcher was the definition of clutch in that game,” he said. “He scored off the rebound to tie the game up with five seconds left in the fourth and hit the winner in sudden death. We wouldn't have won the game without him.”

Sanders’ 21-save game is a testament to his grit, focus and work ethic as well as the team’s resilience and determination to win, especially in high-pressure situations. The victory against Biola marks a personal milestone for Sanders but also sets the stage for the success the Panthers are looking to achieve this season.