Women’s water polo sets the tone for what they hope is a championship season

Photo by Larry Newman

Chapman women's water polo started their season off strong with a tremendous 17-6 win against Carthage College this past weekend in their home opener. 

Many notable players helped carry the team to victory: Alyssa Fricker, a senior attacker and biology major, Kendall Pappan, a sophomore attacker communications major and Zoey Francis, a junior goaltender and double major in business finance and accounting, all had individually brilliant games. Fricker led all scorers of the day with five goals against Carthage. Pappan contributed four goals and six points to set the tone of this game further.

Francis made her Chapman debut with five saves in the home opener game, already leaving a powerful impression on the team and showcasing what she will bring moving forward. Head coach Eric Ploessel was very impressed with Francis' gameplay. 

“Zoey is one of the best goalies we have ever had in this program,” Ploessel said. “Even with shots that go in on her, she gets her hands on everything. Within her first game, it is clear that Francis is ready to dominate this season with her team.” 

Last season, the Panthers finished third in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and overall in NCAA Division III. Starting this season with a win was on the agenda for the Panthers to maintain and improve upon their standings. Ploessel says the team's goal for the season is to finish second in SCIAC and the NCAA. The first step to achieving this is for the team to qualify for the Division III championship in Austin, Texas. Only the top two teams in the conference qualify, and Ploessel said making it is the team’s top priority. 

Pappan shares the same strong mentality as her coach. 

“Our biggest goal this year would be to win SCIAC and make it to the national championships,” Pappan said. “The men's team did an amazing job this season and were hoping to do even better.”

The men’s water polo team finished second in both the SCIAC and national championship tournaments this season.

Last year, Pappan was involved in an accident that occurred after one of the team's practices that left her with major injuries. She shared with The Panther that her left fibula had been fractured, making it hard to do activities like swimming, treading water, lifting weights, etc., during the preseason. However, Pappan's perseverance and determination were the light at the end of the tunnel in her situation. With the full support of her teammates and coaches, Pappan recovered quickly and was able to play out an amazing season.

"Due to such a supportive environment my mindset shifted from feeling empty to feeling encouraged,” she said. “I made sure to train 10 times harder in and out of the pool, to be able to come back and play for the season. I had a very good season last year and I am not only blessed but lucky to have been able to, and I can't wait for this season to be even better." 

Pappan and Fricker were the top two scorers on the team last season, and Ploessel said their versatility is vital to the team’s success.

"The two of them work really well together on their side of the pool,” he said. “Alyssa can score really anytime she wants against any opponent. She also is a very good defender and we can have her defend sometimes the best player on the other team if we need. Kendall is a great shooter and physical offensive player. That helps her a lot to score and get opportunities in the pool."

Going into this season with a strong win is fueling the Panthers to continue with great success.

“I wanted my teammates as well as myself to make sure that we secure that first win to start off our season,” Pappan said. “Always making sure to stay positive yet disciplined is the most important thing for our team." 

The Panthers are ready to compete at the highest level, led by key players like Fricker, Pappan and Francis and fueled by the goal of securing a spot in the Division III Championship. With their talent, resilience, and team-first mentality, they have all the pieces for a successful season ahead.