Whittier College Men's Water Polo has lost their last two games, both in SCIAC play, as they head into the final week of regular season action.  The Poets lost 11-8 to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on October 25 and then Occidental College on October 28.  The losses snap a five-game win streak for the Poets, whose record is now 11-11 overall and 2-2 in the SCIAC.

Against Claremont, the Poets jumped out to an early lead.  They were up 3-1 at the end of the first quarter and 4-3 at halftime.  The third quarter was the difference in the game, as the Stags outscored Whittier 5-2 in the quarter.  The Poets pulled within one goal (9-8) midway through the fourth quarter, but Claremont capped the victory with two goals to close out the game.

Chris Villanueva '09 continued his impressive senior campaign with two goals and three assists.  Wes Paulson '12 scored three goals in the loss.  Chet Schuster '12 added a goal and an assist.  Will Jackson '11 was credited with two assists.  In goal for the Poets, Casey Regehr '12 made seven saves and had two steals.

Whittier played host to Occidental in their next game.  The Poets led 2-0 midway through the first quarter, but three unanswered put the Tigers in front.  The Poets evened the score as the first quarter came to a close.  Occidental outscored the Poets 3-1 in the second frame to take a 6-4 lead at the halftime break.  The Poets made a comeback in the second half, tying the score at eight with just under six minutes left in regulation.  The Tigers scored the next two goals and wouldn't look back, ultimately winning 11-8.

Lincoln Haley '12 led the Poet offense with two goals and two assists.  Alex Hernandez '12 scored three times in five attempts.  Villanueva and Cameron Lew '12 each tallied a goal and two assists.  Regehr made six saves in goal.

The Poets look to get back on the winning track against Pomona-Pitzer on November 1.  The SCIAC game is scheduled to begin at Slade Aquatics Center at 11:00am.