Whittier College lost its fifth straight game on October 28 at Pomona-Pitzer.  Despite a 29-point fourth quarter, the Poets' comeback effort fell just short in the 42-35 loss.  The Poets are now 1-5 overall and 0-3 in SCIAC play.

The Poets dug themselves a big hole in the first quarter, falling behind 21-0.  At the 7:24 mark of the second quarter the Poets got on the board, when Anthony Pomponio '09 scored his first touchdown of the day on an eight-yard run.  The missed extra point left the score 21-6.  As the second quarter came to a close, Pomona found the end zone once more, throwing a 33-yard hail mary that found the hands of Kevin Kelley to increase their lead to 28-6 at halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Poets cut into the Sagehen lead with a three-yard touchdown run from Nick Longoria '12 less than a minute into the fourth.  That score made it 28-13 in favor of Pomona. 

On the ensuing Sagehens possession, a big play provided some insurance.  A 55-yard strike from Jacob Caron to Kelley on the first play of the drive made the score 35-13.  They scored again with 5:50 left in regulation on a Russell Oka six-yard touchdown run to make it 42-13.

Pomponio and the Poets attempted a comeback.  Two plays into their next drive, Pomponio broke loose for a 26-yard touchdown run to make the score 42-20.  His third touchdown of the day came with just 48 seconds left in the game on a seven-yard run.  Taylor Fallon then converted the two-point attempt to get the Poets within two touchdowns.  Whittier recovered the ensuing onside kick and scored 19 seconds later.  Pomponio scored his fourth touchdown with 29 seconds left in regulation with a three-yard run.

Whittier failed to recover a second onside kick, allowing Pomona to run out the clock and take the 42-35 victory.

Pomponio carried the ball 24 times in the game, gaining 112 yards with four touchdowns.  Fallon completed 21-of-41 passes for 291 yards, but had two interceptions.  His favorite target on the day was Josh Ollison '11 who caught seven passes for 78 yards.  Tight end Chris Delgado '11 had five receptions for 98 yards and Shawn Briggs '09 finished with four receptions for 67 yards.

Defensively, the Poets were led by Sean MacNeil with ten tackles.  Matt Avila '09 finished with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.

Whittier looks to pick up their first SCIAC win of the season on November 1 when the play host to La Verne.  The Senior Night festivities are scheduled to begin at 6:45pm with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm at Memorial Stadium.