Late-Season Slump Costs Chapman Spot in Playoffs

Chapman did not receive a berth in the NCAA Division III softball playoffs for the first time since 1994, when the school dropped its sports program to that level.

The Panthers were 22-14, but lost eight of their last nine games. Chapman has won five regional championships, finished second in the nation three times and won the Division III title in 1995.

BASKETBALL

Rob Cullinan has been hired as varsity boys’ basketball coach at Laguna Beach, Athletic Director Jonathan Todd said.

Cullinan was a junior varsity coach at the school last season and has experience as an assistant coach at Dana Hills. He replaces Clayton Olivier, who guided the team on an interim basis last season when the Artists finished last in the Pacific Coast League.

* Geoff Bell, who took over as head coach of the Edison girls’ team last year, has resigned, Edison Athletic Director Bruce Belcher said. Bell led the Chargers to a 18-12 record and a three-way tie for second in the Sunset League last season.

GYMNASTICS

Bryan Del Castillo, a 13-year-old from Laguna Niguel, won two titles at the USA Gymnastics Men’s Junior Olympic National Championships Saturday and Sunday in Minneapolis.

VOLLEYBALL

Breegan Mulligan, a junior at Mater Dei High, has committed to play for Pepperdine, Mater Dei Coach Craig Pazanti said.

Last season, Mulligan earned first-team All-Southern Section Division I honors and was also the Serra League co-MVP with Lakewood St. Joseph’s Melissa Courtney.