RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The men's water polo team opened their 2011 season with three games in the Inland Empire Classic as they took on UC Davis, Caltech, and Concordia.
Game 1 (UC Davis) – L 15-7
UC Davis came into this season ranked No. 2 right behind Loyola of Marymount. The Poets started off the game strong as they came out in the first quarter scoring four times from Keary Schlactus (2), Cameron Rehm, and Chet Schuster. In the second quarter their offensive prowess got shut down as they went into the half tied at four a piece. As the third quarter got underway, the Poets saw their lead slip away as they were held scoreless. Then with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter they saw themselves down 10-6 but they got their offense going again as Michael Eachus, Carlos Panfilo, and Erick Gonzales got into the scoring column. But it was too late as they fell 15-7.
Game 2 (Caltech) – W 21-5
As game No. 2 got underway, the Poets saw a plethora of goals scored as they took on the Beavers from Caltech. After the first quarter, the game was tied at 2-2 thanks to John Adams and Matthew Archer. In the second quarter the purple and gold began pulling away as they outscored the Beavers 6-2 thanks to Thomas Clauss, Joey Kienle, Asante Sefa-Boakye (2), and Eachus (2). Once the third was completed Whittier saw themselves up 14-5 as Clauss chipped in with two more goals, Eachus with 3, and Archer with 1. In the final quarter, the Poets saw Chris Maloney chip in with two of his own, while Clauss had 1, Joey Kienle (2), Archer 1, and Cole Veloz 1 to finish off the game by the score of 21-5.
Game 3 (Concordia) – L 17-5
In the final game of the day, Whittier saw themselves pitted against NAIA Concordia. Coming off of an offensive explosion against Caltech, the Poets' offense was shut down as they managed five goals from Schlactus, Schuster, Adams, and Sefa-Boakye (2).
The Poets return to action tomorrow as they turn right back around to travel to the University of La Verne to finish the Inland Empire Classic as they take on Long Beach State at 10:15am and Occidental at 3:15pm.
