Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Athena's of Claremont-M-S and the Otters of Cal State Monterey bay proved little test for the Whittier College women's water polo team at the Lillian Slade Aquatic Center Saturday.
The Purple & Gold cruised to both victories over CMS (14-6) and Cal State Monterey Bay (16-10) keeping their winning streak alive at four games as they remain hot with one of the best starts in program history at 8-1.
Game 1 (Claremont-M-S; W, 14-6)
In a non-conference bout with the Athenas, Whittier used big second and third quarters to pull off the victory. The Purple & Gold led throughout adding four goals in the first quarter, which included the first two and last two of the frame. Angelica Hernandez (Pico Rivera, Calif.) got the scoring started with Jenel Rivera (Whittier, Calif.) and Zyania Morales (Commerce, calif.) ended the stanza with back-to-back strikes.
In the second, Whittier pulled away holding the Athenas to just one goal, while adding another four to take an 8-3 lead into intermission. Jennifer Preciado (Pico Rivera, Calif.) capitalized on a man-up opportunity, Lindsay Shoaff (Costa Mesa, Calif.) converted a five-meter, while Arlin De La Mora (Commerce, Calif.) wrapped up the scoring with two goals herself.
In the third, the Poets continued where they left off in the second quarter holding CMS to just one goal again over the eight minute period. This time Whittier would add five goals to their total to extend their lead to 13-4 before adding one final tally in the fourth from Anastacia Gonzalez.
Preciado finished with three goals for the game, while Caitlin Bronzan (Brentwood, Calif.) totaled four saves between the posts in the win.
Game 2 (Cal State Monterey Bay; W, 16-10)
In the second game of the doubleheader, it was again all Purple & Gold led by Morales and Isabella Gorrocino (East Los Angeles, Calif.) who each added four goals apiece.
After the first eight minutes the game was all deadlocked at 3-3 with the Poets converting a five-meter and a man-up opportunity from Cynthia Castillo (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Morales.
In the second, Whittier outscored the Otters 4-3 to take a one goal lead into the half but came out strong in the second half outscoring CSUMB 9-4 en route to the six goal victory.
A 5-2 effort in the third opened the game up and another four in the fourth would seal the victory.
Castillo joined Morales and Gorrocino with three goals and Rivera would chip in with two. Bronzan between the posts would add five saves, while Katia Montoya (Riverside, Calif.) would get the start picking up two saves.
Whittier prepares for a home game this Wednesday, March 2 as they take on Div. I Villanova beginning at 7:00pm.
