Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College women's water polo team wrapped up their final home game of their season Wednesday evening as they cruised to the 16-12 victory over Chapman University at the Lillian Slade Aquatic Center.
With the win the Poets move to 17-14, 5-2 SCIAC and remain in 3rd place in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Standings (SCIAC).
From the opening whistle it was all Whittier as they scored the first two goals from Zyania Morales (Commerce, Calif.) and Isabella Gorrocino (East Los Angeles, Calif.) before taking a 4-1 lead at the end of the frame thanks to Angelica Hernandez and Jenel Rivera (Whittier, Calif.).
Hayley Parker (Redwood City, Calif.) scored the first in the second quarter that extended the lead to 5-1 before a mini comeback from CU would cut the deficit to two. Kendyl Riley (Huntington Beach, Calif.) would stop the run at the 4:09 mark and despite the Panthers again pulling within two a minute later Gorrocino would give WC a three point lead 8-5 at the break.
A combined nine goals were scored in the third with the Purple & Gold holding the 5-4 advantage. CU would pull within two quickly 9-7 but that's as close as they would get as Gorrocino, Morales, and Arlin De La Mora (Commerce, Calif.) would give Whittier a comfortable lead 13-9.
In the final frame, Chapman attempted a comeback but it was thwarted as Hernandez and Morales would shut the door with three goals that secured the Poets second straight conference victory.
Morales finished with a game high four goals, while Hernandez and Gorrocino each added three apiece.
Whittier takes on La Verne on the road this Saturday, April 18 beginning at 11:00am as they finish their regular season schedule.
