Whittier College Women's Soccer equaled its 2007 goal total in one game on September 14, when they took Chapman University to the wire on Graham Soccer Field.  The Poets battled back from a 3-0 deficit, but fell just short in a 3-2 loss.

Chapman wasted no time getting on the scoreboard; Kate Lilly redirected a corner kick into the back of the Poet net less than one minute into the contest.  They tacked on another goal in the 21^st minute when Hannah Rogers found Stephanie Lambrakis with a cross to the far post.  They made it 3-0 in the 27^th minute.

In two games last season, the Panthers outscored Whittier 17-0. With a three-goal lead in the first half, it appeared another rout was on.  But the Poets showed their heart and fought back.  They scored their first goal of the season in the 37^th minute when Megan Wessel '12 slipped one past the Chapman keeper.  The halftime whistle blew with the score 3-1.

"In the locker room I told them to go out and win the second half," said second-year Head Coach Nicole Gervais.  And that they did.  In the 65^th minute, the Poets pulled within one goal.  Hannah Cooley '12 scored on a corner kick by Mayra Murillo '10 to make the score 3-2.  The Poet defense held the Panthers scoreless in the second half.  Lea Betsworth '12 made six saves in goal for the Poets.  Despite a number of offensive flurries from the Poets, they were unable to even the score and took their third loss of the season.

But the signs of improvement are there.  Gervais is pleased with the progress they've already made three games into the season.  "We played well for 60 minutes against Chapman," she said.  "The next step is playing like that for 90 minutes.  Then we can compete with anyone."

The Poets begin SCIAC play in their next contest on September 17.  They travel to Occidental College for a 4:00pm kick-off.