Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
CLAREMONT, Calif. – Saturday morning a battle for first place occurred at Axelrood Pool and by the midafternoon the Athena's of Claremont-M-S came out victorious winning 10-6 over the Whittier College Poets despite the Purple & Gold having numerous scoring opportunities.
The win now gives CMS a two game lead in the conference standings and keeps them undefeated at 6-0, while Whittier remains in second place at 5-2.
The Athena's didn't waste any time finding the back of the goal a minute in from Candace Filippelli who tacked on her second minutes later to give CMS 2-0 lead. The Poets would answer on their ensuing possession from Laurel Pinkley but Filippelli answered one more time from long range with 31 seconds to play in the quarter to make the score 3-1.
Whittier added the first goal of the second period inching closer at 3-2 but that's as close as they would get as the Athena's would tack on two more to close out the half.
Leading 5-2 out of the break, CMS added to their lead with another three goals, while holding Whittier to just one to move the score to 8-3 but in the final frame, Whittier mounted their comeback outscoring CMS 3-2 but it wouldn't be enough as the Claremont-M-S defense stood strong holding off the high powered Poet offense.
Pinkley led the Poet attack with four goals, while Monique Dorado registered two and Jae Crabtree one. Mattie Winkler in goal finished with 8 saves in the loss.
Whittier returns home for their final regular season contest next Saturday, April 20 when they host Chapman University beginning at 11:00am.
