In a game where the Panthers played so well through two overtime periods, it’s hard to reconcile with such a heartbreaking loss. Twenty-four shot attempts is an impressive feat, and it would usually elicit at least one score. But Leidlein suggested their inability to put the ball in the net was largely due to La Verne’s goalie. 

“We had a bunch of good shots on target, some good volleys, headers… we weren’t short on chances,” Leidlein said. “It had to have been the goalie. He had a great game. And that was the unfortunate part, because we were getting shots, we were getting an opportunity. We just couldn’t score.”

With so many missed opportunities, and two overtime periods played, the team was exhausted. Leidlein said the toll of playing for 110 minutes was obvious, but that the Panthers continued to control the match despite these struggles.

“We were running up and down, left and right. So we were all gassed. By the second overtime, some guys were throwing up. I was struggling. I couldn’t really hold it up,” Leidlein said. “It sucks that it came down to penalties… we knew we dominated them and kind of controlled the game for most of it.”

It was a long season for the Panthers, and it didn’t end how they had hoped. After making the SCIAC Championship last season, and starting this year undefeated in conference play, it was an unfortunate ending for Chapman. But Galvin said he will look back on this season proud of what the team accomplished.

“I’m going to remember the guys that stepped up, especially younger kids. They had to fill some pretty serious roles in order for us to do well this season, so I’m excited to see what they do going forward,” Galvin said. “Looking back, (I’m) just proud of the work that everyone put in.”

Looking toward next season, Leidlein said there are big shoes to fill. But those same young guys Galvin mentioned will have to step up yet again — this time, without the help of their senior players. 

“The senior class was big this year. They all played their role, and learning from them has been amazing these last two seasons,” Leidlein said. “Some of those voids are going to be hard to fill next year, which sucks, but I know we have the talent to do it, and I’m excited to see what comes from it.”