CARLSBAD, Calif. – Sophomore attackman Dylan Garner scored with 16 seconds left in regulation to cap an improbable comeback and give Chapman a 13-12 victory over Grand Canyon in the championship game of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference tournament on Sunday at La Costa Canyon High School.

The victory paves the way for top-ranked and undefeated Chapman (18-0) to earn an automatic bid to the 2016 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour. It’s the Panthers ninth consecutive appearance at nationals. They will find out their seeding and matchup later this evening.

Chapman had a great first quarter, racing out to a 4-2 lead. Grand Canyon (10-4) owned the second frame, however, going on a five-goal scoring binge that flipped the lead in GCU’s favor, 7-4. After trading goals at the end of the half, the defending champions were up 8-5.

The GCU lead was still three at the end of three, 10-7, and expanded to 12-8 midway through the fourth. The Panthers started their comeback with a Wesley Greason goal and got within a goal with strikes from Regan Kelly and Dave Appruzzese. Garner tied the game with four minutes to go before notching the game-winner.

2016 SLC Division I Tournament Results

First Round
#2N UC Santa Barbara d. #3S UNLV, 13-12
#2S Arizona State d. #3N USC, 16-0

Semifinals
#1N Chapman d. #2S Arizona State, 15-11
#1S Grand Canyon d. #2N UC Santa Barbara, 15-11

Finals
#1N Chapman d. #1S Grand Canyon, 13-12